#that other kid is ms teacup because i said so

[purpleqilinwrites]

i just know mr. scarletella was a strange kid when he was human.

he was a starer, and didn't talk much except to say threatening things to the other kids who wanted to befriend That One Other Kid who didn't mind that he was strange like that.

[young-dumb-and-vaccinated]

Cult Girl: Doctorate (Hannibal x Female!Reader) pt. 8

Cult girl and Hannibal go through an exhaustive list of potential adoptive couples. 

@wisesandwichshark

Trigger warning: sexual harassment, christianity, discussion of pregnancy and family planning, adoption, murder and cannibalism 

Step two: find an adoptive family.

Some would say your list of expectations for potential adoptive parents was too extensive. Impossible for any human to reach. But it was really just the bare minimum.

Regardless of if they were two men, two women, one of each, or a few people, the parents had to be trustworthy. It wasn't easy to earn Hannibal's trust, but he could recognize those who had the capacity to right away. It was a little instinct you had dubbed 'friend or food'.

On paper, the apostolic pastor and his wife of 19 years seemed like the perfect candidates. The adoption agency tried to push them on you, as they had a great track record with adopting from them prior. Three boys, all of which were honors students.

Hannibal insisted on a formal introduction, during which you could conduct a proper, though surreptitious, interview. It was an invitation to dinner.

He invited the couple into his office, where a pot of tea and an interrogation was waiting for them. Then there was you. Barely-pregnant little [F/N], feeling entirely safe so long as your fiancé was beside you.

"You're doing the right thing, y'know." The woman, who introduced herself as Mrs. Landon, said upon meeting you.

"How do you mean?" You asked, already knowing the answer.

"All god's life is precious." She said, placing a hand on your not-even-remotely-showing-yet stomach. "You're walking in obedience to the lord by giving this child a shot at life."

Strike one: bringing up religion unprompted. Strike two: touching me without asking first.

You wanted to swat her hand away, but remembered that patience was a virtue. She and her husband took a seat across from you.

"Y'know," The man began, his mannerisms eerily similar to those of his wife. "I don't usually begin with the god talk, but I think a higher power had to have been involved in the conception of this- well, our child. I'd like to think the good lord brought us together today."

Strike three: already believes he is entitled to my child. You're outta here.

"Don't flatter the adoption agency like that, Jacob." Hannibal chuckled, placing his teacup on the side table.

"I'm serious, Dr. Lecter." Jacob interjected. "Faith and I really do believe that god put us on this earth to prepare his smallest soldiers for the spiritual war."

You shot Hannibal a side glance that said 'can we please just eat them now?'.

The answer was no. Hannibal liked to play with his food.

"And your adult children have all moved out?" He asked.

"That's right." Jacob nodded. "We have plenty of room in our five-bedroom house for the new little slugger to run around in."

"And if it's a girl!" The wife interrupted. "We have enough closet space for all the denim maxi-skirts money could buy."

Strike four: arbitrarily genders the behavior of a nine-week-old embryo.

The man then returned the teacup to the table, not bothering to use the saucer and instead leaving a nasty ring of condensation on the polished mahogany.

"Okay." Hannibal huffed, resignedly rising from his seat. He pulled two hypodermic needles from his back pocket and carefully, subtly stuck them onto the couples' necks. They couldn't even scream.

The tacos al pastor that followed (after a few days of marinating, of course) were exquisite.

The next week brought a new couple to your doorstep. Frank and Angela, they were named. Their claim to fame was that their oldest son played football for one of those big southern party schools. Either Auburn or Alabama. There was hardly a difference.

You sat for what felt like hours listening to the man speak in unintelligible football babble, waiting for him to take a breath. Surprisingly, it was the mom who got him to finally shut up.

"Frank, please." She said with more frustration than this one situation even remotely warranted. Either she had enough intuition to know she was being tested, or she’d spent the last decade putting up with this. Possibly both. "You're boring our hosts to death."

"What? No way! She loves it!" Frank replied, then turned to you. Not to Hannibal, just you. “Aren’t you having a great time, sweetheart?” 

Strike one: takes advantage of the female socialization to be passive and polite, allowing himself to take up the most space.

You shook your head. “I hate football.” 

His wife looked quite pleased with herself. 

“Angie, I just wanted her to know what good breeding her son is going to have.” He said, without a lick of irony or self-awareness. He eyed you up and down and licked his lips. “And it is mutual, I see.” 

The room went quiet as everyone tried to determine whether he was serious or if it was just a fucked-up joke. The longer the silence lingered, the more you realized he wasn’t kidding. Angela looked like she wanted to crawl into a hole and die.

“I don’t know what the agency told you, Mr. Wyatt,” Hannibal said, trying not to grit his teeth. “She isn’t a surrogate. She’s already pregnant.” 

Frank’s jaw hung dumbly open. “I thought you were looking for a sperm donor? I just-” 

“No.” You cut him off, raising your hand and covering your face. “I don’t want to know what you thought.” 

“Well, I would!” Angela interjected, righteous fury eclipsing what should have been crippling embarrassment. “What exactly did you think this was, Francis?” 

“The file said that he was over fifty, so I just assumed--” Frank rationalized, his voice far too loud for the room. “Y’know? That she wanted a baby that wouldn’t come out all funny-looking?” 

“You’re disgusting.” You blurted out. 

“Francis Howard Wyatt,” Angela scolded as if she were talking to her son. “You are forty-eight and the only increasing part of your body is your blood pressure. Why on Earth would any woman choose you over her smart, handsome doctor fiancé?”

This made Hannibal sit up a little straighter. He wanted Francis on the butcher’s block yesterday, but he momentarily considered letting Angela live. 

“They’re not married?” Frank whispered, or whatever the loud-aggressive-toxic-masculinity version of whispering was. He paused, as the dead hamster on the wheel powering his brain crept back to life. “That actually makes sense.” 

Angela loudly smacked her hand against her face. “Dr. Lecter, Ms. [L/N], I am so sorry.” 

“It’s quite alright, Mrs. Wyatt.” Hannibal stood up, readying the next batch of needles. “It just makes what I’m about to do easier.” 

It took quite a bit of restraint to not make their deaths hurt, but he made up for it when it came time to carve. He had fun running his fittingly small penis through a meat grinder. Not with any intent to cook it, though. Just because. 

Hannibal wanted to make Francis Wyatt into the least dignified meal imaginable. You quickly recalled going to a friend’s barbeque in Georgia and encountering a horrendously Southern delicacy known as Frito Pie. You proposed the idea to Hannibal, who, after reviling in abject horror at the notion of eating something out of a bag, agreed that it was the most fitting end. He could spare a few pounds of flesh to grind up and make into chili. 

The third week brought yet another couple. They seemed smart enough to realize your invitation wasn't the friendly olive branch the others had interpreted it as. Their healthy skepticism was refreshing, to say the least. Then, you met them: Max and Archie.

"You'll have to forgive my partner's paranoia." Max said upon entering the house. He tugged playfully at Archie's hand. "We watched Get Out recently, so an invitation to the suburbs sounded some alarms in his sleep-deprived brain."

"I love that movie." You chimed in. "It reminds me of my family."

"Oh no." Archie's eyes widened in only half-pretend fear. He shot an I-told-you-so look in his partner's direction. 

"But my favorite horror flick has to be Midsommar." You added. "My friends and I saw a midnight screening and we didn't sleep at all that night."

"But have you seen Hereditary?" Archie posited.

"Of course." You shrugged. "Aster is totally genius."

You made more than just polite conversation with the couple. Max, despite his young age, was a skilled data analyst and day trader. He attributed his success to the hard work of his immigrant parents. Archie was an environmental lawyer and land activist. He was also a bit of a thrill junkie, indulging in everything from scary movies to bungee jumping.

It didn't take long to realize that you wouldn't be eating them. They were far too pleasant of company to eat.

"So when is this baby planning to make its entrance?" Archie asked, gesturing to you. "You don’t look all that pregnant to me."

You put your hand over your slightly-protruding stomach. "Late August, I believe. If everything goes according to plan."

"You're not far along at all, aren’t you?" Max observed. "That gives us plenty of time to prove ourselves to you."

"Believe me." You put up your hand. "You're doing a great job so far."

“If you like horror stories, we might have to indulge you in the last two encounters we had.” Hannibal commented, leaning back comfortably in his chair. That was a good sign. “No blood was spilled, thank god. Would have ruined my carpets. But believe me when I tell you it came very close.” 

The couple laughed along. Archie leaned in like he was about to tell a life-shattering secret. “You wouldn’t believe the hoops we had to jump through to even have the chance to adopt. And I don’t want to say that it’s because we’re an interracial gay couple, but...” 

“Agencies aren’t exactly colorblind.” You finished, via his prompting. 

“She gets it.” Archie pointed to you. “See, Maxie? She agrees with me.” 

Max pushed his glasses up his nose. “I never said I disagreed.” 

You spent the rest of the afternoon waiting for the conversation to take a sharp left turn off a cliff, but it didn’t happen. They were wonderful company; polite, intelligent and articulate. Exactly the kind of people you’d want to see taking care of your child. 

You’d have to look for you next meal elsewhere. 

[creatureofmystry]

MLB x DC Universe Headcannons

I just love the idea of MLB and DC (expecially Batfam cuz Mari is such a Wayne) being in the same universe and crossing over. So one night, I just had an idea overload of different ways the Marinette would know the batfam/be a part of the DC universe. And if any of my shitty ideas somehow inspire or prompt you, then please be my guest. 😊 _

1) “Ladybugs of Past and Present”

Hippolyta, Wonder Woman’s mother, was once a previous holder of the ladybug miraculous. When Fu activated the miraculous and put them in circulation, Hippolyta could feel its magic waking back up. Knowing there must a reason for it to be out, she sent a message to her daughter. Diana searched, finding Marinette and Adrien as the present holders of the ladybug and cat miraculous. She vouched and brought them into the Young Justice program while they also made their own team, Project: Zodiac (or something like that).

[Sometime when Diana takes Marinette to meet Hippolyta]

“Great Hera, Tikki, you have not aged a day” -Hippolyta, cause she does know how to make joke. 

“And I would say the same to you” -Tikki

“Mother, you can make a laugh?” -Wonder Woman, honestly a bit confused cause her mom have never not been serious before.

And Marinette is just speechless cause she’s starstruck meeting Wonder Woman’s mom AND a previous Ladybug holder.

_

2) “Rockstar Niece”

Jagged Stone is Marinette’s Sweet Uncle J. During the summers, Jagged Stone would take Mari with him on tour. HIs summer tours are throughout America, so Mari gets to sightsee the country. Jagged’s first tour that he gets to take Mari on (5-ish), he’s also booked for the annual (for whatever reason) Wayne Summer Gala. When Marinette meets the Waynes, they are so enamoured (Dick and Tim couldn’t help it) that they tell Jagged he’s always invited as a guest, Mari of course being added to the permanent guest list too. About 6 years later, Mari is practically adopted, spending the first half of her summers with Jagged, going to the Wayne Gala, then spending the rest of her summer with the Waynes. Overtime, she figured out the secrets of the family and was there to welcome Jason back from the dead (when that happens). Anyways, now 11(-ish?) Mari meets Damian and the two become good friends… after an… impressionable first meeting.

“Tch, let me guess, you’re another one of father’s adopted strays” -Dami

“YOU MUST BE DAMIAN!!! DICK TOLD ME ABOUT YOU!!” -Marinette, who just ignores what he said for a hug.

“hiiiiiiiiissssssss” -Dami, touchy with touch

“...” sprays water in his face since he decided to act like a cat.

“I say, Master Bruce, the children are getting along quite well” -Alfred

_

3) “Pen Pals” 

Jon Kent and Marinette Dupain-Cheng are part of an international pen-pal program, starting when they were very young (maybe like 4 or 5-ish, super super young) where they told each other everything (Jon can’t just say that his older bro is a clone made from Superman and Lex Luthor’s DNA, or that his dad is Superman, or that his best friend is Robin, but yea. Lois and Clark probably proofread his stuff until he’s like 9) with pictures and everything. When they’re old enough to get phones & stuff, they call, text and vid-chat along with their letters (love without blood). When Mari is maybe 9-11 (somewhere around there) she starts flying over during the summers to hangout with Jon (and his friends and big brother). While there, she meets Kon, Bat fam, and Clark (some who she already knew, some who she didn’t) & lightly hints that she knows who all they are once she figures it out (it didn’t take her long to do so). 

Now whenever she visits and is at Wayne Manor (Jon likes to have sleepovers practically every weekend) while they’re on patrol, Mari subtly messes with their minds (super subtle, they’re the world’s best detectives after all) until they finally look through the cams and see Mari giving them one of those smiles (those shit-grinning cause it’s just so hilarious how it’s gone on for so long) & and a playful wink. 

[5 seconds later]

“Mari!” “Pixie-pop!” “Angel!” “Teacup!”

“Seriously, am I the only one with a normal nickname for her?” -Tim

“Ms. Marinette would like to inform you that ‘it took you long enough’” -Alfred (who so knows that the girl has been playing them since the third night she stayed at the Wayne’s)

“Where are my adoption papers?” -Bruce (who is seriously adopting any talented black-haired child)

_

4) “Mari and Mar’i” 

When Mar’i is young, Dick and Kori take her with them to see Paris (btw, this would be during the winter). They’re strolling along through a park and lose track of Mar’i who finds Marinette (9-10 ish). Marinette comforts and distracts Mar’i while noticing the young(er) girl is Tameranian (her hair is very warm and she’s wearing significantly less layers than should be worn for a human of that age during the winter, plus that sun-kissed skin tone. She’s seen Kori in her fashion magazines (and, from time to time, on the news as an ambassador) so she easily make the connections). Dick and Kori finally spot Mar’i with Mari who introduces herself to them. Mar’i asks if she can see her “Auntinette” again and Marinette just goes “if your parents are okay with it.” Dick and Kori are totally cool with it (not many are willing to watch her and have the time to do it) so they ask Marinette if she can babysit Mar’i whenever (with good pay of course) if she’s up to it (cause she’s still pretty young). Marinette can’t say no to Mar’i’s babydoll eyes (and she’s so much easier compared to Manon, who’s only 2 rn), so of course, she says yes. 

Now Marinette is Mar’is official babysitter and sees Mar’i often whenever her parents drop her off (using zeta tubes to quickly get to Paris and back). Marinette gets treated like an honorary Wayne (cause she’s the most responsible) and gets invited to their family stuff (w/ travel pay taken care of, of course). It doesn’t take her long to realize the fact that she babysits Bruce Wayne’s & BATMAN’S granddaughter, but of course, being the responsible one she is, keeps the secret… while also playing with them via Mar’i.

[One Day]

After Marinette leaves for her plane…

“Uncle Dami!”

“Yes, Spawn?”

“Auntinette said to tell you after she left that Robin’s sut needs a major upgrade & that you look like a traffic light… whatever that’s supposed to mean.”

[Another Day]

“Uncle Jay!”

“What’s up kid?’

“Auntinette said that to let you know that Red Hood doesn’t make any sense ‘cause Red Hood wears a helmet. Not a hood.”

[The next time]

“Uncle Tim!”

Yawn. “yea?”

“Auntie told me to give you this” (pulls out super caffeinated coffee) “and that Red Robin’s cowl is a menace to all things fashion”

[Again…] 

“Daddy!”

“Yes, Starshine?”

“Auntienette said she’s proud of Nightwing’s costume ‘cause it’s one of the only in the batfam that isn’t an astro-city to the fashion society.”

_

5) “Marinette, the one who’s always getting chosen”

Before Mari became (becomes(?)) LB, she comes across a different powerful piece of jewelry, from a different order of guardians where her will of mind is not only her shield from being akumatized, but it is also what drives her powers. That’s right, Mari walks past a flea market and activates a GL ring. The guardians pick up on this activity and send Hal (it is his sector) to check it out. Hal finds the ring with Mari but it still needs the light of a GL to charge and fully work. 

[During the explanation]

“Look, kid-”

“Marinette.” 

“Look, kid, I just need to know why you have that ring.”

“You think I know? I was just walking through the market and all of a sudden, this possessed ring, if that’s even what this is, started following me, then zipped in front of my face til i held my hand up so it can put itself on my finger.” 

“Kid-”

“It’s MARINETTE. Get it wrong one more time and you’ll see why I don’t need a possessed piece of alien jewelry.” -Marinette, making sure you get her name right. “Besides, if I stole it, I would remember. I’m a klepto” -Marinette, probably holding his ring too at this point.

Hal obviously doesn’t want the wrath of the Dupain-Chengs (just the kid Marinette scares him enough), so he tells the guardians that JL will take care of most of Mari’s training (once they get her a lamp for her ring, of course) & has her take part in training at Mt. Justice with the Young Justice team and special training with the Bats. Mari does all this under the guise of an international student exchange program for Mari to stay with the Waynes (not yet knowing that it’s the bat fam) and attends G.A. Mari doesn’t do much, but it takes her 24-36 hours to know who EVERYONE is.

[the next week after settling in]

“Hey, Mars,” -Dick, in his Nightwing gear

“Hey, Di-is the GREATEST SHOW!” -Mari, changing the subject(… not really)

“How long did it take you?”

“Not as long as the Kryptonians…” -Mari, going off into a tangent (still trying to change the subject”

[When Marinette meets Tikki]

Back in Paris:

“Sooo… I’m getting powerful jewelry that gives me powers and a suit, needs to be recharged, and comes from some Order of the Guardians? What’s the difference between you and my ring?” -Marinette, who at this point is very confused as to why she keeps getting picked on for this kind of stuff. 

“One’s alien, one’s magic” -Tikki, hoping Mari will end it there & lowkey hates that the GL Corp. got to her first.

“They’re both non-human made energy sources” -Mari, cause once you’ve seen it once, you’ve seen it all before. 

“You can’t heal the Akuma without the miraculous, and there are more than just rings. Yours are earrings, there are hair clips, bracelets, necklaces and more” -Tikki, after having a minute to think

“Fine, only because you said they’re the only way to heal the, what was it again, akuma?”

_

6) “Their Unofficial Official Barista”

Part of Tim’s job as Co-CEO, is to make sure all the branches are running smoothly, sometimes that means he has to fly abroad to manually check in. Tim goes to Paris to check on the W.E. Paris branch. He goes to a nearby Patisserie (Tom and Sabine’s) to see a young Marinette (somewhere from 8-11) drawing in her sketchbook at the counter. She explains that her parents are at a catering event, but she’s there to man the little bakery. Tim asks for a super caffeinated coffee and Marinette makes it with ease, claiming it was on the house with how bad he looks (and how much sleep the man clearly needs). Tim begs for her knowledge and asks if she can teach his butler. Mari’s willing to show him the next time he comes, so he gets the whole fam to go (viz tubes so they don’t waste time) maybe a week later. Everyone gets their own drink (plus a free pastries) and Marinette teaches Alfred her coffee, but it’s just not the same so Tim, using the tubes, goes to get coffee from the girl whenever he can. 

Mari is horrible at getting up on time (the life of an insomniac, never getting to sleep even if you want and then barely waking up on time) that she is up super early, makes Tim his coffee (plus a croissant) and tries to go back to sleep (making her inevitably late). Tim would walk up to the pick-up counter where his cup and to-go bag is while Marinette runs out of the house to get to school. Eventually, the rest of the Batfam (as well as the Laegue, TT, and YJ) frequent the place, slowly becoming (Dami too) Mari hides it, but she knew all the batfam the first day they came and she showed Alfred how to make the coffee. When the others start making more regular appearances, she learns the identities of YJ team, WW, GLs, and others. Obviously when LB and CN appear as heroes with HM as their villain, they immediately reach out to help. Because 1. Batfam clearly notices that it’s Mari and they sure as heck won’t let her deal with that by herself, and 2. The JL is worrying too much about their favorite barista (even though she’s not really one), especially with the Gigantitan scare. So, of course LB & CN (can’t make him bad everytime) get inducted into YJ.

[After Ladybug finishes defeating Gigantitan and detransforms] 

“Bean! Are you okay? You’re not hurt, are you?” -Tim, being an even more protective older brother than Dick, which shouldn’t be possible

“Yes, I promise. I’m fine” -Marinette, who just accepts the fact that she’s adopted an older brother (and his famliy)

“Tube over, we’ll have Alfred make sure” -Dick, already pulling out the medical supplies for Alfred.

“I-” 

“You shouldn’t worry your brothers like that, Marinette. Now come over so Alfred can clear you,” -Bruce, who just happens to overhear the conversation

“I’m sorry, Miss Marinette, they are very adamant that you’re in pitch perfect health before going out again,” -Alfred, who’s not actually sorry

“Fine” -Marinette, accepting her fate of her adopted, protective family. 

_

7) “Thicker Than the Blood We’ve Shed”

Why is Marinette so freakishly strong? Because she was trained to be. Before she could even talk, Mari was taught to be an assassin. She and Damian were frenemies, both competing for top spot as best in the League (of Assassins). They often spared together and became rivals who pushed each other (which sounds great in that context if you forget about the fact that they’re killing people and turning it into a competition). When Damian’s care is turned over to Batsy, Mari also comes along for the ride. She implements herself into Dami’s classes at G.A. & watches him from afar. (Damian, not being an idiot, of course knows all this and knows that it’s probably for Mari to give a report to Talia.) When he becomes Robin, Mari obviously knows, but waits to see if anything drastic would happen (his care was given to the Batfam, they had already expected this to happen.) She then heard word of the bounty Talia put on Damian’s head. Marinette knew there wouldn’t be much she could do to help, but she ave Dami a warning about the upcoming situation before fleeing the country. 

From there she got to France, changed her name (it wasn’t originally Marinette, it was Shénqí, chinese for miraculous/magical (or something else if you want)), was adopted by Tom & Sabine, and left her time in the League in the past. When she received Tikki, she didn’t want to be a hero because she didn’t think she deserved it after her up-bringing. Eventually, she did become LB (being a trained assassin does help with lucky charms, considering she was taught how to kill with basically every and anything), and life was good for her. Then Rossi came.

[Gotham field trip]

While at Wayne Tower…

“How idiotic are they?” -Damian, who after reuniting with his long-lost sister-from-a-different-mister (yes, Marinette was able to convince him to say it once), can’t understand the stupidity she has to deal with.

“Are you Robin?” -Mari, who is too tired, so just goes straight into the analogy

“Yes.” -Obvious and simply is.

“Exactly” -Mari, who can’t even put a limit to the amount of thought the one brain cell the class shares doesn’t use. I mean please, the so-called “reporter” believed that the first cosplayer she saw was the actual LB when they don’t even have the same hair! And let’s not forget the origins arc, where LB’s first citizen save was Chloe.

[songtoyou]

Tempting Fate - Part Two

Paring: Tommy Shelby x Reader

Warnings: Nothing major, but there is lots of smoking. 

Word Count: 2,080

Story Summary: Tommy is not a believer in fate or destiny. However, a new resident in Small Heath will question his beliefs and push his boundaries outside his comfort zone.

Chapter Summary: As you continue to live in Small Heath, you develop a strong camaraderie amongst its residents. The only one who continues to give you the cold shoulder is Mr. Tommy Shelby. Polly has a conversation with you and her nephew. She seems to know more than she may be letting on about the connection you and Tommy may have. 

A/N: For this story, Esme uses her maiden name and married name, so she goes by Esme Lee-Shelby. This story takes place during season two of the show. May Carleton is mentioned in this chapter and might be making an appearance in later chapters. I like May; she has never bothered me, and I like her “relationship” with Tommy. I did include a Romani phrase in this chapter, which translates to, “Go with God and in good health.” I found the phrase online and hope it is correct. If it isn’t, then I am profoundly sorry and do not wish to offend anyone. That is never my intent. Remember, there is no Grace or Greta in this fic. They do not exist in the realm of this alternate universe. 

Please do not post any of my fics to other sites without my permission.

Tag List: @owenniasstars​

You settled into Small Heath nicely, even making some friends along the way. Esme Lee-Shelby was one of those friends. When the two of you met, there was an instant connection. Both reminded the other of home, which helped with the homesickness both women tended to feel now and then. Being friends with Esme meant you were around the other Shelby’s, particularly at the family’s company headquarters. You most hung around the betting shop when it was not too busy and when Tommy was not around. You were not naïve to see that the man was not too fond of you for some reason.

Arthur and John would tell you not to pay too much mind to Tommy and explain that he was under a lot of stress.

“Tommy means well, love. He will come around eventually,” John reassured you one day while visiting Esme.

“It is because he likes you, and that probably scares him,” Esme would say, but you merely scoffed at the idea.

“I can admit that Tommy is cute, but he is not my type. He is too frigid. The guy is always so serious. Plus, I can tell he cannot stand the sight of me,” you replied, but Esme waved off your concerns.

“Trust me, Tommy will eventually come around to the point where he will seek out your presence because he will crave it. I have a feeling about it, and I’m never wrong,” assured Esme.

On another day at the betting shop, you stopped by; however, no one was around except for Aunt Polly. At first, the woman intimidated the hell out of you but soon saw the wonderfulness she possessed. She did not take shit from anyone, particularly the men who stopped by the betting shop. She kept everyone in line, including her nephews. You saw how Tommy would confide in Polly on specific business matters whenever the two murmured amongst each other.

“Where is everyone?” you asked, looking around the empty betting shop.

“Slow day,” Polly said, taking a sip of tea and reading a book with her feet up on one of the desks. “John and Esme are currently preoccupied with activities involving the expansion of their family if you know what I mean.”

“Well, that is…wonderful,” you stated sarcastically. “Will you tell Esme I stopped by and that I will see her tonight at The Garrison?”

Before you could leave, Polly called out to you to stay for a little while.

“Come sit with me, let’s talk,” Polly commanded and pointed to a seat for you to take.

You followed her orders and took a seat across from the older woman. She passed you one of her black cigarettes, and you happily accepted. The nicotine of the black cigarette had a pleasant taste to it, you noted.

“So, Tommy informs me that you are part of the Young clan in Cambridgeshire. I’ve met the Youngs; they are good people. Very dependable when one needs help. However, my nephew also shared that you aren’t a Young by blood, is that right?” Polly questioned the other woman.

“That is correct. My mother and father found me when I was a baby, so I am very much a Young,” you replied earnestly.

“Oh, that I can see. Especially in how you have taken it upon yourself to help out most of the Small Heath residents. From menial tasks such as making sure Ms. Wallace gets her weekly groceries, to assisting Old Man Pete and his family in finding their lost dog, and even going so far as to help out at the Yard with Charlie and Curly.”

“I only help with horses. I don’t do any of the moving of equipment or anything if that is what you or Tommy are worried about,” you reassured Polly.

“I wasn’t worried, but of course, Tommy was. You put him on edge,” said Polly with a smirk.

You took another drag of the cigarette, “That is not my fault that your nephew has his qualms about my mere presence in this place. All I am doing is trying to make a living, like everyone else. He has no reasons to doubt my intentions. I am not here to bewitch anyone or partake in any criminal activity that would undermine the Peaky Blinders. I may not have a proper education, but I am not stupid. I don’t have a death wish.”

“No, you don’t have a death wish. You have good intentions that Tommy will see that eventually. He always comes around. Someday, he will come to you because he will need your help,” shared Polly. “I can see things, my dear. I have the gift. I know why you are here. You are looking for your soulmate. Is that correct?”

You let out a sigh, “It is one of the reasons why I am here, yes. I only want to know who this man is; I don’t expect to fall for him. The idea of soulmates doesn’t ring true for me. It is a fabled concept.”

Polly let out a laugh, “Do not be so pessimistic, my girl. You have already met him, but I will let you figure out who it is; that is the fun part.”

As you were about to ask Polly for clarification on what she was talking about, in walked Tommy and stopped when he saw the two of you sitting together.

“Speaking of the devil, here he is, the man of the hour,” teased Polly, at least that is what you thought she was doing. She gave you a wink and put out her cigarette.

“Miss Young,” Tommy stiffly greeted you.

“Mr. Shelby, nice to see you.” While you may tend to put Tommy on edge, he did the same to you, but you were determined to make friends with the man.

When Tommy didn’t reply to your polite phrase, you knew it was your time to leave the premises. “Thank you for the cigarette and the chat, Polly.”

“Any time, dear,” Polly smiled and waved as you exited the betting shop. She saw that you did not say goodbye to Tommy, which she could not blame you.

While Tommy took off his cap and coat, Polly got up from the table and lightly smacked the back of the head. The move completely caught Tommy by surprise as he turned to face his aunt.

“What the hell, Pol!” yelled Tommy, perplexed.

Polly merely shook her head. “Do not have any manners, Thomas?”

“What are you on about?”

With a shake of her head, Polly grabbed her teacup and took a sip. The tea was long since cold. “She is a nice girl, Tommy. Why can’t you see that when everyone else can? What is it about his girl that has you so afraid?”

Lighting his cigarette, Tommy let out a sigh and pinched the bridge of his nose. Everywhere he turned, he saw you. Not only at The Garrison, Uncle Charlie’s Yard, or the streets of Small Heath, he saw you in his dreams. The dreams where you were present brought him peace. He felt protected, which unnerved him since he was not used to the feeling of being safe, not after France.

“She’s me, Pol,” answered Tommy.

“What do you mean she is you, Tom?”

“Before the war. She was exactly how I was before everything changed,” Tommy replied honestly.

“Well, that should be viewed as a good thing. You two match. Why so cold towards this girl?” Polly asked again.

Tommy turned towards his aunt to bluntly say, “Because if I get close to her, then I will ruin her. I don’t think I could live with myself with that thought. I’m damaged goods, Pol. Nothing can save me. No one can save me.”

“Tommy, that is not true,” remarked Polly. “I still see the good in you.”

Tommy got up and headed towards his office, “Then you are wasting your time.”

Later that night at The Garrison, you were filling up drinks and talking to your regular patrons.

Noting was too out of the ordinary, except for the absence of the Shelby brothers. Typically, they would make an appearance, but not tonight.

“Harry, since it is rather slow tonight, do you mind if I head out early?” you asked.

“Sure, no problem, but do you mind coming in early?” Harry asked, which you agreed to do.

You waved goodbye to Harry and left the premises. You bundled your coat higher to offset the cold air and walked towards Charlie’s Yard. Curly mentioned they were getting a new horse for the races, and you wanted to see it. You loved horses, always have since you were a kid.

As you walked down the street, you saw the Shelby brothers exiting the betting shop.

Arthur called out your name, and you turned around to greet him. He asked where you were headed to and answered the Yard. When all three gave you a look, you told them that you wanted to see the new horse Curly kept boasting on about and, therefore, needed to see for yourself.

“I have to see for myself,” you commented.

Before John and Arthur were about to wave goodbye, Tommy spoke up, “I’ll walk you.”

His announcement took his brothers and you by surprise. “Come again?” you asked. You wanted to make sure you heard him correctly.  

“I said I’d walk you to Charlie’s.”

Before you could as Tommy ‘why’ he told his brothers, he would see them later and motioned for you to follow him. The walk to the Yard was quiet, with neither knowing if they should saying anything. Both opted that awkward quietness was probably the best outcome.

You bit the bullet as the quietness was beginning to drive you mad and spoke up. “Where did you find this horse? Curly mentioned you were going to train him for the races.”

“I got him at an auction, and I won’t be training him. I enlisted someone else to do the training to get him the horse ready for Epsom,” explained Tommy, lighting a cigarette. He offered you one as well, but you declined.

Finally arriving at the Yard, you continued to follow Tommy towards where the horse was residing. When you caught sight of the dapple-gray horse, you immediately picked up your speed to get a better look.

“He is beautiful, Curly,” you professed while rubbing your hand across its muzzle. The horse responded positively to you as it licked your hand. “Does he have a name?”

“No name, as of yet,” it was Tommy who spoke up to answer you. While you continued to pet the horse, Tommy quietly stood next to you. He reached over and began stroking the horse’s mane.

“May Carleton is expecting us to bring the horse for her to train in the coming days ahead, we need to get him ready for transport, Charlie,” declared Tommy while continuing to pet the horse. He then walked over to his uncle as the two men began to talk about how to transport the horse.

“It is a shame this horse has to leave,” you said to Curly, who quickly agreed.

When Charlie called Curly over to him, it left you alone with the horse. As you continued to pet the horse’s muzzle, slowly and softly, you placed your head against his, with no objection. The horse remained calm in your presence.

“Zhan le Devlesa tai sastimasa,” you whispered to the horse.

“Go with God and in good health,” translated Tommy as he stood next to the horse once again. “He’ll be fine, Ms. Young. This horse is going to be taken care of; I will make sure of that, I promise.”

You looked over at Tommy and smiled at him, “Oh, I know, Mr. Shelby. Pyramus knows you will make sure he is in good hands.”

“Pyramus?” Tommy asked, raising an eyebrow.

“That’s his name. Pyramus. It is a mythological name meaning ‘fire.’ It fits him perfectly, don’t you think?”

At that moment, Tommy was taken back by your attentiveness of his horse. He was impressed by how you showed so much care for the creature. He saw how your smile brightened your face and appeared to stir something inside of himself. Something he thought was long gone, his heart.

“Yes, it is. Perfect,” Tommy expressed, but he was no longer talking about the horse.

It was at that moment, where Tommy knew he wanted you.

[strawberri-blonde]

Grinchmis- George Weasley

Summary: George have never seen a single muggle Christmas movie but Y/n changes that.

Warning: Curse words and kissing.

It was really by chance that you attended the Weasleys Christmas. Mr Weasley had been fascinated with your work as a preschool teacher for the little muggles as he called them and one day when he was discussing with you about your work you had slipped on a sheet of ice causing you to fall and damage your skull causing a horrific concision. Instantly Arthur transported you both back to the burrow where Molly had given him the lecture of a lifetime before she fixed you right up. When you woke, you immediately thought that you had lost your mind because you saw a broom sweeping it’s self and a pot of hot water being poured in a cup, all on it’s on. Of course, you began to scream and ran out the door and it didn’t help that Fred, George, and Ron were flying around on their brooms sticks either. One could say you passed out but you would oppose saying that you “simply needed another nap.”

When you came to, Molly kept apologizing and apologizing while Arthur and the boys crowded around not knowing how to handle your reaction to the wizard world. At first you hand a minor panic attack then pinched yourself more than once to make sure you weren’t dreaming. Then as it all settled in, you glued to Molly’s side seeing at she was so kind and gentle. The older woman thought it was adorable and slowly explained some of the magical things and talked about normal stuff like family. That’s when you explained that when you bumped into Arthur you were on your way to your flat since school was out for the little ones for the holidays.

“So I guess we have to heal you quickly so you can get home for Christmas?” You blushed at her sweet words, then smiled while hiding your fingers in the long sleeves of the sweater that Molly had grabbed for you that had a letter ‘G’ knitted on the front.

“Actually,” you dragged out pushing a strand of hair behind your ear. “My parents are in Fiji.” Molly’s eyebrows furrowed at your words. “Something about not wanting to spend another Christmas in London, so it’s just me.”

“You were going to spend Christmas alone.” You shamefully nodded your head as Molly continued. “What about friends.?”

“With their families and I didn’t want to bother them?”

“A boyfriend or girlfriend?” You instantly blushed at her words. “I don’t judge.” You picked up the tea pot and poured the hot water into the chipped teacup, watching as the teabag got soaked.

“No partner here.” Molly smirked at your nervousness and handed the milk over to you. To which you happily grasped in your hold.

“How about you stay for Christmas.”

“Ms. Weasley, I couldn’t.”

“Yes, you can.” The older woman gripped your biceps in a loving comfort. “No pressure but I would love for you to stay.”

You let a smile take over and tilted your head. “Are you sure?” Molly nodded eagerly. “Because you already have a full house.” The older woman raised her hands in protest.

“You’ll stay in my oldest sons room Bill. He’s not going to be home until Christmas Eve. Then we’ll figure out where you will stay.” Before you could protest Molly placed her finger and thumb in her mouth letting out a whistle. She grabbed her wand and placed it against her throat. “Fred. George.” The loud noise of her voice startled you so. A gasp escaped your lips as you heard loud footsteps from the stairs along with arguing.

“What did you do?”

“I didn’t do anything?”

“Did you forget to hide it?”

“No it was you!”

“Boys!” Molly yelled at the two older men that looked to be near your age so approximately 22. Another thing that caught your eye was that they were twins; really attractive twins. “We have a guest.” The two gentlemen stopped shoving one another to get a glance in your direction.

Having their eyes on you made the nerves quite worse. You gripped the tea mug tightly in your hand and tried to advoid eye contact but the slightly taller twin caught your attention. And your cheeks began to burn bright red. “Boys this is Y/n and I need the two of you to be on your best behavior. George can you show her to Bill’s old room and Fred, I need your help in the kitchen.” The oldest twin with the green sweater let out a groan making George laugh.

“Why can’t George do it.” Molly looked at your gaze at her son and smirked before making a frown appear at Fred protest.

“Because I said so, now...” the older woman handed a pot of what looked like stuffing in Fred’s hands. “Get to work or no apple pie and George be on your best behavior.” The taller twin patted his brothers back then nodded his head.

Once his hazel eyes meet yours, you blushed again and walked over. “Hi.”

“Hey.” He smiled back and gestured up the stairs. “This way.” As George stepped on the first step he turned to you with a massive grin. “I was looking for that sweater but it looks better on you.” And that folks caused you to blush even harder making the crimson reach your ears. Noticing your flushed cheeks George started to develop a hint of red upon his pale cheeks as well.

—

Throughout the week you’ve gotten comfortable being around all of the Weasleys and even gotten to meet Rons friends Harry and Hermione. Being around them was a lot easier especially since they spent most of their time in the ‘muggle world’ as they called it.

The dining table was full as the Weasley and guests finished off the last of their desserts. You in fact had to cover your mouth as George wouldn’t stop whispering stupid jokes in your ear making it so difficulty to eat your meal. Molly and the other girls saw the little exchanges and couldn’t help but smirk at the cuteness. “Okay, well I guess it’s time for presents.” Aruthur stood up from the end of the long table gathering everyone’s attention and Molly stood as well to grab the gifts. You smiled at the family passing out gifts and cooed at the knitted scarfs Molly had made for her kids. Picking up your dirty dishes you excused yourself and brought what you could into the kitchen and started on the dishes. After a while Molly came rushing into the ‘heart of the home’ in distress. “What are you doing young lady?”

You quickly turned around and offered a smile. “I’m just washing the dishes Ms. Molly.” She rolled her eyes and grabbed your hands in hers. “Come on dear and open your present.”

“No.” You protested as she dragged you over to the table and you sat down letting her hand you the nicely wrapped gift. “I didn’t get you anything.” Molly  shooker her head.

“Don’t worry about it dear. Your presence was enough.” You sighed in defeat but continued to look at her in plea.

“You might as well open it.” Ron laughed as Percy spoke.

“She’s not going to lighten up.” With that you stared down at the red wrapping and carefully opened it to reveal a green sweater with a golden initial of your first name. Tears swelled in your eyes but you refused to let them fall.

“Thank you, Molly and Arthur for this wonderful gift. This has probably been the best Christmas I’ve had in a while.” You stood up to hug the Weasley mother and in that sweet moment Fred had to speak.

“At least now she can stop wearing George’s sweaters.” You pulled away from his mom to glare at him jokily of course while a blush did make its way to both you and George’s cheeks.

“Shut up!” The tallest twin nudged his shoulder against Fred’s. “I don’t mind.”

“Oh I bet you don’t.” Charlie joked before taking a sip of his egg nog making the rest of the Weasley boys to laugh including Harry but the girls rolled their eyes at the none sense.

The night fall came quicker than you expected and you weren’t to excited. That just means Christmas is over and it gets closer to when you have to leave the burrow and join the real world again. Letting out a sigh you finished making your tea and started to make your way back to the living room where you would sleep that night since Bill was sleeping in his room with his wife.

As your eyes tried to adjust to the darkness you saw a large figure only a few inches away and you didn’t have time to react. You and the other person collided making the hot tea sink into your clothes burning your skin. “Shit.” Hearing that familiar voice you became nervous and instantly set the mug down and patted the Weasley twin’s chest.

“I’m so sorry.”

“It’s okay, Y/n.” He whispered out some foreign word and light sprung from his wand showing more of his handsome face. You were so caught up on his facial features that George must’ve thought that you couldn’t tell if you knew it was him.

“It’s George.” You shook your head and stepped back to reply.

“I know.” He furrowed his eyes then spelled to clean up the mess making you fall back into his arms. “You have a little hump on your nose while Fred’s is straight and he has smoother hair while yours is a little bit more textured.” George looked away with a blush. “You’re also a tad bit taller and have a nicer voice.” This shocked the both of you as you didn’t think that actually came from your lips while George couldn’t believe someone could tell the difference between him and his brother and that someone thought he had a nice voice. George pushed back a strand of hair and pulled you into the living room on the couch. Without thinking he lifted his sweater to to get rid of the wet clothing and you did the same. George tried to be a gentleman and looked away while you grabbed a blanket to cover yourself.

Smiling at each other you noticed the goosebumps on his arms and offered him some of the blanket. “I don’t want to make you feel uncomfortable.” You rolled your eyes and scooted closer placing your legs over his lab and nuzzled your head in the nook of his neck shivering slightly at how cold his skin was. George let a smile take over as he rested his head against yours making you let out a sigh in comfort. “On the night of Christmas my family and I would watch one last Christmas movie and despite the presents and such that had to be one of my favorite things to do on Christmas.”

“I’ve never seen a muggle movie.” You popped your head up in shock while George couldn’t help but chuckle at your reaction. 

“That’s crazy.” You exclaimed. “Isn’t your dad fascinated with my kind.” George didn’t stop the laughter as he rested his hands on your lower thigh and upper calf.

“Yeah but he doesn’t just steal stuff.” You laughed at him then nuzzled back into his side.

“I wish I’ve would’ve known. I would have brought a movie and my small little tv.” George circled his thumb against your skin letting his brain run a mile a minute.

“Give me the location.” You narrowed you eyes and looked up at him.

“What?”

“I think I know a spell where I can transport those things. I just need those exact locations.” After  several attempts and many of them being George grabbing random objects from your room like your clock, a sock, even a bra that you’ve had on the floor. Finally the wizard teleported your tv and your favorite Christmas movie of all time, ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas.’

To be honest George wasn’t really paying much attention to the movie. All of his attention was on you. Your eyes were filled with joy; and happiness radiant off you in waves. Your arm was wrapped around his waist while his wiped around yours and his hand settle upon your thigh. The warmth you both radiant for each other was so peaceful and kept you both content. You let out a laugh from the Grinch’s dog Max having his one antler.

George’s heart raced as he thought of not seeing you again as the movie continued to play the red head worked up the courage to ask you a question. “What are you doing New Years Eve?” That question alone had you in a fury because to be honest you didn’t know.

“Um, probably be at home.” George gulped loudly letting it echoed throughout the small household.

“That’s cool.” His voice broke up in cracks as his throat tightened in fear. “W-ell,” he coughed. “Well, if you don’t want to be by yourself Fred and I are running a New Years Eve party at the shop and I would like it if you could come.” You lifted your head off his chest and shifted your weight so you could stared directly into those hazel eyes.

“I’d probably be the only muggle there wouldn’t I.” George awkward stretched the back of his head before replying.

“I mean there will be some half bloods but yeah.” He say your expression and rushed his words. “But I wouldn’t leave your side and everyone would love to meet you I mean you’re so nice and smart and you’re funny when you think you’re not and you have got to be the prettiest girl I’ve ever seen.” You blushed at his words making George cover his mouth. “I’m sorry! If you don’t want-”

You cupped his cheeks into your hands and pressed your lips onto his. George didn’t respond at first from shock but quickly kiss you back with much need. You giggled into the kiss as he pulled you closer causing you to teasingly nibble his bottom lip. Without much thought George opened his mouth letting you slip your tongue into his mouth and you grazed it against his and pulled away making George extend his and you lick it slightly before pulling away all together and nuzzle into his chest. George tried to compress his not so little situation. “I’ll be there.” The Wealthy twin let a smile cover his features then pressed a kiss to your hairline and squeezed you more into him and finally started to watch the movie with the smile still onto his lips. It really was a good Grinchmis.

[saeyoungs606]

RFA + Vanderwood, Saeran at the Carnival

This headcanon was written by my dear friend Aimi (@m00nsthet1c) and I hope that you go check out his work after reading this! <3

~

ok but I imagine yoosung being the one to eat heavy food at the foodcourt and throw up afterwards

Jumin would reserve the entire carnival because seven wouldn't stop pleading him for it

zen would be the type of guy to be persistent in winning those target games because he would miss the shot despite him putting so much force into throwing the ball

seven would bring vanderwood to carry all the cotton candy he bought

which was the entire stock

"why the hell would you even need this many?"

"they'll be useful in making my job more efficient ms. vanderwood ^-^"

Jumin would take you onto the ferris wheel because he doesn't like most of the intense rides

rika and V would even join in with you

double dates with rika and v :D

he sadly couldn't bring Elizabeth the 3rd because of V

"I don't think Elizabeth would enjoy a carnival, she might get lost jumin"

"I cannot risk losing Elizabeth the 3rd. Very well then"

takes like 30 mins to say goodbye

and takes another 30 to pry seven off of her

"my precious elly! nooooo!"

even saeran tagged along! He enjoyed the bumpy cars a ton!

he was a bit embarrassed because it was pretty childish for an adult to like the bumpy cars or the teacup rides, but his brother had no shame and went to the rides he enjoyed with no hesitation. Sometimes even bringing you alongside it!

the reason his brother bought all the cotton candy was because he saw saeran staring at the blueberry flavored one

the two of them even bought matching accessories together!

saeyoung wanted his brother to have a remembrance of this time, because they never got to experience it in their childhood days

and seeing his brother eating the cotton candy with a hidden but noticeable smile made his carnival experience more enjoyable

"uhm.. saeyoung, you know I don't need this much-"

"don't worry about it! we can eat it together once we get home :D"

"but.. I don't want diabetes"

"there's always tomorrow!"

there's also one game saeran enjoyed and it was the water gun fight!

he asked you if you'd be willing to join while saeyoung asked yoosung, since it was a 4 player game

you were glad that v recommended you to get spare clothing

yoosung being yoosung forgot and he had to walk with sulked clothes

rika chuckled a bit at yoosung's forgetfulness

and being the best cousin ever she asked jumin to buy him some clothes so he doesn't catch a cold

now yoosung has new comfy clothes!

"aw I want new clothes too!"

seven complained a bit but yoosung being petty just ignored him

rika and v went on more calming rides together! V occasionally taking pictures, but it wasn't just the scenery he was taking a picture of

they had their little personal date out of the others and often walked around the large place, admiring the different booths and occasionally playing some of the games

Jumin tagged along from time to time with them

but he focused more on getting a little gift for his precious Elizabeth 3rd

he got a cute little kitty plushie that looked really similar to elizabeth!

he took awhile to get it from those crane games though-

but he's got the spirit and doesn't mind wasting money only for his precious cat

Zen, and yoosung would be on intense rides like the rollercoasters and the dropper rides (the ones where it suddenly drops you at a random time)

yoosung would be mortified 99% of the time, but would act like it didn't affect him afterwards

some of the rides were too much for him though so he couldn't sugarcoat most of it-

"oh man! you should've seen the look on your face with-"

"shut up you narcissist!"

"HEY! you just can't handle rides that aren't made for little kids!"

"I AM NOT A KID!! I'M A GROWN UP NOW!"

"your scared ass face said otherwise"

"YOU GOT SCARED AS WELL! I SAW IT"

"NO I DID NOT-"

Jaehee is really good at target games and often wins some for zen and even for you because you got impatient with missing the targets

and you or zen try to impress her but inaudibly fail

yoosung would go with rika and v onto those little boat rides :D

vanderwood would be lying if he said he didn't enjoy it, and he'll definitely never admit to it

despite having to carry a huge bag of cotton candy all around, he enjoyed the rides a ton, especially the rollercoasters

He never really had time or ought to think about being at a carnival, so the experience was very new to him. And he'd definitely try it again in secret so he wouldn't be an outsider maid for the redhead

V would take so many pictures of the sceneries, just everything really

he also took one big photo of all of you in front of the entrance gate

and it's up on rika and v's shared home!

the experience was really amazing! getting to go on a little break all together with the rfa is a good stress relief from party planning

but yoosung throughout most of it just kept puking his guts out, rika holding his hair so it won't get on the way and just rubbing circles onto his back for comfort

meanwhile seven is just laughing with an annoyed vanderwood and a chuckling saeran, eating cotton candy together

the ride home was really chill. kind of

you guys fought over what music to listen to and jumin just concluded to not listening to any at all

saeran kept admiring the little matching keychain his brother got him, only tensing up and hiding it once saeyoung mentioned it out

"you're smiling! aww!!"

when you all got home you guys were exhausted. Especially zen who went on the intense rides the most

vanderwood was forced to stay in by seven, and a little pleading from you as well. And due to being too tired he ended up agreeing just because he didn't wanna drop off the cotton candy at saeyoung's place

tired state? night time? movie night!

you all discussed on one movie that you can all agree in watching, and you all fell asleep like a daylight

everyone except for saeran

he refreshes his memories in the carnival, the amount of joy he had with his brother, and how lucky he was to have such a caring old brother like saeyoung. He wouldn't replace him for anyone

he just wished he could've experienced it at a younger age

[rachaeljurassic]

Head canons, AU's and fic ideas

These were ideas I threw out in a dm but never posted here so I thought I'd post them for Jenny Calendar Day :)

1. Jenny spent their entire second date asking Rupert when the kids were going to turn up just to see how many ways Rupert knows how to say 'I'm sorry'. Half-way through the main course his three adoptive kids burst into the restaurant.

2. When Xander spills something on a book in the library he runs off to find Ms Calendar because he knows when Giles finds him he’ll become totally distracted and won't remember why he was mad at him anymore.

3. AU - One day at Jenny's she put on a video. Rupert was confused, he wasn't really a fan of....was this R&B? It took a while before he recognised one of the dancers. Later he would deny that he sat there, mouth open, through the whole song...or that it influenced his sudden decision to 'screw dinner'. Nor did it have anything to do with his new-found love of Prince.

4. Jenny's running joke was leaving the corkscrew earring in ever increasingly crazy places for Rupert to find (where upon he would dutifully return it to her). The worst/best had been when he'd been called in to Snyder's office and noticed it on his bookshelf, poking out from between the Staff Handbook and a heavy tome titled, simply, 'Leadership'. He'd had to break out his lock picking skills late that night to get it back

5. On that first date, at the Mexican restaurant, Giles said he was OK with hot food because he was OK with curries. He did not realise that Mexican food is a WHOLE other kind of hot and spent the entire meal trying to pretend his mouth wasn't on fire. Jenny noticed, as he turned redder and redder, so started offering him increasingly hot chillies to see if he'd crack. "No, no, I'm fine," Rupert lied. Eventually Jenny took pity on him and ordered an enormous ice cream for his desert.

6. Jenny purposefully rearranges items in Giles' kitchen cupboards. The first time was an accident (all the cutlery was in the wrong slots). Rupert became 'irrationally pedantic' about it, insisting he could 'reach for a fork and cut a finger off'. Jenny couldn't resist teasing him about it until she wound Rupert up good and proper...which unsurprisingly led to some supremely good sex. This did almost back-fire once. Jenny had swapped the teacups for the mugs ('I mean, who segregates their cups, Rupert?!'), and they were working there way towards the supremely good sex portion of the argument, when Buffy walked in. The slayer was a little confused when neither of them could keep a straight face and Rupert had to excuse himself. 'I'll explain' Jenny called out to his retreating figure.

7. Giles and Jenny in lock down AU. Giles is super cautious and spends most of his time trying to stop Jenny climbing out of the window to 'run in the park' - 'you're not a puppy, Jenny'. Jenny's cutlery rearranging takes on mammoth proportions. Giles runs out of books 'I didn't think that was possible Rupert....stop chewing your sweater, dear'. They reaffirm their very different tastes in music when Jenny hides all his records. Buffy makes a shopping run for them and is shocked to find that Jenny is now living in a fort she built in the living room and Giles appears to have locked himself in the bathroom. Giles runs out of tea. There may have been an unmanly melt down. Jenny suspects Giles is trying to raise a demon, just to have something to do. Giles suspects that Jenny is hiding his socks, just to have something to do. Both of them think it would be better if they lived in separate apartments for a while but neither of them want to bring it up because while it might be for the best neither of them actually want to have to think about not seeing the other one every second of every day. And, of course, lots of making up making out and a realisation that if they can forgive each other for demon possession, lying about curses, and all the crimes committed during two months in one small apartment, then they can get through anything.

8. A friend of Jenny's gave her a bunch of stickers when she took up teaching, the usual stuff like 'good job' and 'keep it up' but some that she just never used because they seemed like they were for little kids. That was until she met Rupert. The first one she stuck on his jacket lapel was a picture of Mickey Mouse saying 'Awesome' after he suggested going out for dinner. Rupert tried not to smile and failed. The second was 'magical work' because it seemed appropriate. One day she marched into the library and stuck 'learning objective achieved' on his shirt when he successfully replied to an email. After a bit of an argument she used 'correct and return', it broke the tension and they ended up almost getting caught kissing by her grade 11 computer class. Then there was the one of a dinosaur 'I am a workosaurus' and a thumbs up 'great reading' and a big star with 'I listened' written on it which was possibly a little sarcastic because she'd slapped it on his tie in the middle of a fight about whether or not the library needed a website. Eventually she ran out of stickers and forgot all about it until one evening in early January when she was staying over at Rupert's. She'd asked if he wanted to throw away his 1997 calendar. "Oh...er.....well..." And then she noticed that he'd stuck every one of the stickers she’d given him on the back. Giles tries to pretend he's exasperated by it all but he's secretly thrilled. He's never got a sticker before.

@dreadfulcalendarwoman

[chaoticallysapphic]

Oh my heart part two

Summary:  Lin never expected to have a soulmate, in a world where your mark appears whenever your soulmate is born she grew up completely blank. So when she’s thirty and it finally etches itself around her arm, she vows to never be with the one meant only for her.

A/N: one more part after this! Originally I just wanted it to be a two parter but it feels better this way. 

Word count: 3k

Korra was becoming overbearing with her concern for you. Once you come back to air temple island she was there waiting to rant about a theory she had regarding Asami’s father. Usually, you’d reply and give good advice, unlike Pema’s, and would remind her not to get too worked up. But instead, as she opened her mouth to begin her rant, you broke out into tears. You wouldn’t tell her why, you were too embarrassed about the rejection of your soulmate to confess, even though it would help put Korra at ease to at least be in the know. She’d probably hunt Lin down and start some kind of fight with her regarding what happened. 

“Korra,” you say one night when you both are lying in your separate beds in your shared room. “Have you met your soulmate?” 

“I don’t know, I’ve kept it covered” she replies softly, she props herself up on her elbow, her eyes narrowing in the darkness, which you don’t notice. “Even with all these new people we’ve met?” your voice is soft, almost a bit hesitant of your inquiry. 

“I like Mako, but I’ve seen his mark and it’s not what I said to him, I don’t want to confuse myself by looking” she sits up fully, “Is that why you're so sad, did you meet yours?” 

“They didn’t want me..." You roll over so your back is facing your sister. Korra tries to pry it out of you, her voice laced with quiet rage but you simply squeeze your eyes shut and tune her out. 

The next morning, Korra doesn't leave your side, she tries multiple times to get the truth out of you, but you always tell her to drop it and walk away. Later on, she reluctantly leaves to do some avatar stuff and asks Pema to keep you company. Pema was nice and in moments like these when you wished your mom was around to comfort you she was the second-best thing. Both of you are sitting at a table, teacups in your hands as the laughter of the kids can be heard from out the window. 

"Korra told me what happened" Pema finally breaks the silence, it knocks you out of your thoughts and you harshly set the cup down onto the table, some of the contents of the cup sloshing out from the sides. "That was between us" you spit out. 

"Tenzin tells me a lot of things and he's a man so I don't think he's pieced any of it together but… " Pema purses her lips and sets her teacup down onto the table, gently. "It's Lin, isn't it?" Sadness trickles down your throat and wraps itself around your insides, suddenly the door you'd hastily locked to keep yourself from crying in front of anyone busted open, and with it a tidal wave of tears. Pema pushes herself up off the floor and sits down next to you, albeit it takes her a few minutes to get there in her pregnant state. She wraps her arms around you and pulls you in tightly. You let your head fall onto her shoulder as you weep, your shoulders shake as the feeling of loneliness rocks you to your core. 

“She doesn’t want me,” your voice is muffled but Pema hears you perfectly, she shushes you, running her hand soothingly through your hair. For what feels like hours all that can be heard is the sound of your strangled breaths and Pema’s humming. She slowly pulls away from you, panic rises in you and you try to stay within her arms but she places her hands on your shoulders to keep you from doing so. 

Her hands reach up to your face, wiping away the tears that continue to seep out of your eyes. “I think part of Lin’s hesitation has to do with me,” she begins, your brows furrowed in confusion but before you can ask any questions, she continues “A long time ago Lin and Tenzin were together, he hadn’t met me yet but I knew he was it, even without having spoken to him. So when I saw him pulling away from her, I finally made my move and admitted I was his soulmate, the woman who could make him happy.” 

Lin and Tenzin?... jealousy bubbles up in your throat which you try to push down, that was forever ago but maybe, she still loved him. Maybe that was part of the reason she rejected you. Pema pulled you out of your thoughts, brushing some of your hair out of your face in a motherly way. “I think because of that, she doesn’t think anyone else can love her.” 

“But I’m her soulmate” you respond, sure you didn’t love her yet but you knew you felt something, ever since your discovery at the arena you’ve dreamt of being wrapped up in her arms once more, to be so close to her you can see every detail in her gorgeous green eyes. These dreams that fill you with pain and longing when you wake up, feel so unattainable now due to her swift rejection. 

“Lin is a very confusing person, I think you need to try again and show her you won’t take no for an answer.” Pema’s words swirl around your mind as you try to think up a plan, her advice she gave to Korra a few weeks ago may have been bad but this seemed like it might work. If not then at least you wouldn’t stay awake at night wondering what if. 

                                                          ------

Before you can even formulate a plan on winning Lin over, Korra drags you off to help her with something important. She’s talking a mile a minute while Naga weaves past mobiles and dodges anyone who enters her path. The sun is high in the sky, marking that it's roughly midday and families are walking down the sidewalk together, couples are hand in hand, laughing about something the other has said. A part of you wonders what it might be like if Lin does decide to give the two of you a shot. She doesn’t seem like the kind of person to show affection in public, but what about behind closed doors? 

Due to how fast Korra is talking along with you getting lost with the idea of Lin, you don’t pick up a single word she’s been saying, so when the polar dog finally stops in front of a warehouse that is in the middle of getting raided, you're a little confused, to say the least. You both climb down and walk towards the entrance where Tenzin and Lin are talking, that childish feeling of jealousy hits you at the sight of them talking and you mentally scold yourself for it. Tenzin is happily married to his soulmate, you remind yourself. 

“Found anything?” Korra calls out, catching the attention of the two master benders. Lin’s eyes land on you and for a split second a look of sadness and pain crosses through her features but she quickly smothers it down with her usual scowl. It seems only you notice that momentary slip up as Tenzin begins telling you and Korra, even though honestly you aren’t listening, about whatever has gone on since she’s been gone. 

Apparently, Korra believed Asami’s father to be an equalist which seemed a bit far fetched, he did sponsor her pro-bending team, right? But you trust your little sister and so when they find his factory to be empty, you place a gentle hand on her shoulder to offer her some form of comfort. 

“It would appear Hiroshi is innocent” Lin finally speaks up with her arms crossed, since that first glance when you arrived, her eyes have been set on Korra. It stings to know she’s ignoring you but right now is about helping your sister and getting to the bottom of this. Asami waltzes up to the four of you with Mako by her side. “Okay, you did your search. Now you can all leave.” Korra ignores Asami and walks off to talk to Mako, leaving you alone. 

“I can’t believe your in on this” Asami says to you, for the most part, you’ve stayed out of Korra’s drama, only lending her advice in private and helping her out when it came to equalists or Tarlock. You let out a sigh and look away from her gaze “she’s my sister Asami and she wouldn’t do something like this without reason.” 

“Well he’s my father and he’s innocent, your sister is dragging him through the mud over a misinterpreted conversation” she fires back. Asami glares at you, taking a step closer to you to most likely try to get you all to back down. Before you can even think up a retort Lin, surprisingly, speaks up. “Ms. Sato, during these hard times we can’t leave any stone unturned, the warehouse is empty so you don’t need to worry about us anymore.” 

Asami walks off with Mako’s arm slung around her shoulder and Korra all but storms back over with a defeated look on her face, you side glance Lin, who isn’t even paying you any attention anymore. She was probably just trying to keep a fight from breaking out, you tell yourself, she doesn’t care about you. But then Pema’s advice rings through your head, louder than the self-deprecating thoughts and you try to remind yourself that maybe Lin does care about you, hopefully. 

After talking to the mystery man at midnight who ends up giving valuable information involving Hiroshi, a plan is set in place. You're all in a police force blimp, if not for the situation at hand you’d be marveling at the machinery with unbridled joy. You’ve never been on something like this before, sure the South Pole isn’t behind on the times but they don’t have any form of aircraft. “Raiding the Sato mansion is risky with Tarlock breathing down your neck. If we’re wrong-” 

“I know. I can kiss my job goodbye. But protecting republic city is all I care about. We can’t let Amon get his hands on this new weapon” Lin says, effectively cutting Tenzin off. You stand a few paces behind them, fiddling with your hands as you eavesdrop on them. You want to get to know her, and Lin’s words offer you a piece of information regarding her personality and life without even meaning to. She’s a good person, she might have hurt you but she’s good and that warms your aching heart just a bit. 

There are so many horror stories of people's soulmates being monsters, of being chained to someone who doesn’t treat them right that at least the universe decided to spare you on that front. You shake yourself of your thoughts, now is not the time to lose yourself over Lin, and soon enough you land in front of the Sato mansion, once inside Asami puts up quite a fight over her father's innocence which you don’t blame her for. If the roles were reversed you’d probably have already gotten physical with whoever tried to hurt your dad. 

The workshop behind the house is small and empty, the policemen try to find any sort of nefarious plans hidden in drawers or boxes but once again come up empty-handed, the confusing part though is how Hiroshi is also nowhere to be found. There isn’t a connecting room where he may be and there aren't any windows he may have left from. “Chief, the estate has been secured, no one has left since we’ve arrived,” an officer tells Lin.

“Perhaps we just couldn’t see him leaving” she replies as she walks over to the center of the room, you step to the side as Korra had sort of stepped in front of you protectively when you entered the workshop, to see what she’s doing. What she does next you’ve heard of but never seen, many talk about the way Toph Beifong revolutionized earth bending, not only by learning to bend metal but also with her aseismic senses. She bends the metal off her foot and slams it down onto the ground. Lin closes her eyes and for a few seconds remains completely still. 

“There’s a tunnel beneath the workshop running deep into the mountainside.” Your eyes widen at the discovery, maybe sometime in the future, if you and Lin do work it out you can gush about how much you admire her bending abilities, how truly powerful she is. Asami interrupts your daydream with her denial of such a thing, you do admire her loyalty to her father and his innocence and you honestly don’t want to see her reaction if he is an equalist. 

Lin effortlessly bends a piece of metal from the floor and slams it into the wall, showcasing a staircase that leads down, just like she said. You grab onto Korra’s hand knowing she probably wants to race down immediately to find out what lurks below. “Maybe you don’t know everything about your father,” Korra says in an apologetic tone, looking over at Asami, “I’m sorry.” 

Lin orders the officers to go down first and as you make your way to the stairs, Lin stops you. “Uh-uh, you four stay up here, officer so-” you scoff, going to push past her but she clamps a hand down onto your shoulder. “That includes you too.” 

“I am not letting my little sister go down there without me, I can handle myself” You shrug Lins handoff and push past her to make your way down the stairs, her voice stops you as you take your first step down. “I’m the chief of police and I am order-” you look over your shoulder at Lin who looks completely composed, it irks you that right now she’s trying to control you, acting like she has some sort of say over your actions. 

“Yeah and I don’t care, family trumps law enforcement” you reply, effectively ending the conversation. 

“Wait, does that mean we can go down to?” you hear Boin ask from up above, Lin barks out a no as she follows after you, most likely scowling no doubt. On the tram that speeds downward, Lin approaches you with her hands held behind her back, she’s still scowling from earlier, but her expression softens just a fraction when you look into her eyes. 

“Stay in the back and out of trouble” she orders, Korra and Tenzin are on the other side of the tram, out of earshot. You push off the railing and take a step closer until your chests are touching, maintaining eye contact with her. Lin’s breath catches, which pleases you and offers you a bit of hope. 

“If Korra needs me I’ll do what I must to protect her, even if that means being in the frontlines,” you say defiantly. Lin sighs, her scowl diminishing. “You shouldn’t care anyway, remember? This, us, isn’t a thing… unless you’ve changed your min-” 

“I haven’t, I want you out of the way because you’ll be a nuisance to the mission if you end up hurt or in need of help,” she says, taking a small step away from you before stalking off. Your shoulders sag, oh. Pema’s encouraging words seem so quiet right now, you could really use another pep talk from her right about now. For a second it seemed like maybe she’d caved, maybe she’d finally admit at this moment on the tram that she had feelings for you and wanted to give it a shot after this raid. Your hands clench as you try to squash down any oncoming tears and sigh. 

The tram lurches to a stop and you stumble forward a bit before catching yourself. You can’t let Lin be right, can’t give her the satisfaction so you square your shoulders and march out after them. An audible gasp leaves you at the sight ahead. Korra was right, all day it seemed like a wild goose chase but in front of you is a large warehouse that has banners hanging from the ceilings with Amons face on them, fear crawls through you at the memory of being electrocuted at the arena, of the explosion and Korra almost dying too many times to count.

The center of the warehouse is empty, but what lines the walls are towering, mechanical… statues? You squint in confusion at the contraptions “and I’m guessing those are the new weapons” Korra states. You take a step forward from the group but Lin grabs your forearm and pulls you away from the statues and has you stand behind her. A part of you wants to yell at her, claim you aren’t a nuisance or useless, but now doesn’t seem like the time. 

“Hiroshi was lying alright, but where is he?” Tenzin asks, and as if answering his question a large metal wall shoots up from beside you, Lin pulls you away from it and if not for her you probably would have gotten killed as it slams into the roof, locking you guys inside. You look up at her and she immediately drops your arm, tearing her gaze away from you and composing herself once more. Lin steps forward and tries to metal bend the wall back down, but nothing happens, not even a slight tremor, green lights flash on within the statues as they come to life, Hiroshi’s voice suddenly surrounds them, he must be talking into a microphone. 

“I’m afraid you won’t be able to metal bend that wall, Chief Beifong. It’s solid platinum.” The statues make a loud whirring sound as they start to move away from their respective spots and glide towards the group, effectively cornering them. “My mecha tanks are platinum as well. Not even your renowned mother could bend a metal so pure.” 

“Hiroshi, I knew you were a lying no good equalist. Come out here and-” 

“And do what, young avatar? Face the wrath of your bending? No. I think I’ll fight from inside here, where my odds are a little more… equal” he cuts Korra off. Your eyes widen, not hearing what Lin says as he shoots a metal hook out of his tank's hand, you all jump away from it but the other tanks keep moving in on you. 

You look around for any kind of water source, for a moment it seems like a fruitless attempt until you feel it, you whirl around and notice the metal pipe against the wall. You run-up to an officer and shout “I need you to break that pipe for me!” He stares in confusion for a minute before following your pointed finger and realizing your intentions. He rips the pipes open and water comes flooding in, you hope there's some kind of drain around here or you might have just doomed you all. 

There’s no time to worry though and you bend sharp daggers made out of water and aim them at the tank closest to you, it whirls its face around to stare at its attacker and starts to advance on you, but you bend water around its feet and legs, then freeze it. While it’s immobile you send more frozen daggers at it, this time aiming for its chest and two finally penetrate the metal, causing sparks to fly out of its chest as it whirs, you bend water into the two holes, completely breaking it. Without a second to lose you move onto another that the officers are holding down with their wires and do the same to its chest. A loud crash is heard behind you and you whirl around to see that the tank Lin was on fell against a metal beam and onto the floor. 

Your heart squeezes in fear until you see her standing on top of it, completely fine and a breath you didn’t realize you were holding in finally escapes with a strangled noise that probably would have embarrassed you in different circumstances. In your moment of distraction, the officers you helped had moved onto another tank, and you watch in horror as it electrocutes them by using their metal wires. The officers shout in pain as they spasm out of control before dropping to the ground.

That same tank advances on you quickly, you stumble back, slipping on the ice you had created for the first tank and fall onto it with a groan, your head slams down onto the ice and pain begins to spawn from that same spot but you can’t stop now, you can’t be a nuisance. Out of the corner of your eye, you see another one shoot its wire out at Lin and slam her against the wall. “Lin!” you shout, your eyes widening as she doesn’t move. Next Hiroshi’s tanks knock out Korra and soon after Tenzin, you're the only one awake and the tank chasing after you finally stop but doesn’t make a move to hurt you. 

Hiroshi’s tank swirls around from its stance in front of Tenzin and charges at you, you bend water around the floor in front of you to create ice in hopes of stopping his advances, your starting to feel weak from the wound at the back of your head. 

“I have plans for you,” Hiroshi says through his tanks microphone, it comes out a bit staticy due to the attacks but otherwise it moves like it’s still in perfect condition. You try to bend daggers at him but you can’t throw them far enough to hit him, they all fall at his tanks feet and a mocking laugh echoes through the warehouse. Something warm trickles down your neck, you hesitantly raise a hand to the back of your head and when you pull away your met with blood, it drips off your hand and onto the ice. You can’t beat them all, not alone and not in your state. 

The ice begins to melt due to the heat of the room and Hiroshi shoots out a wire of his own, your heart gives out as you know what's about to happen, you close your eyes as you wait for the inevitable and are shortly encased in shocking pain, it's worse than last time, so much worse and you think you might have screamed, you're not entirely sure due to being disoriented from the millions of sharp pinpricks you feel in your bones. All to fast you once again succumb to the pain and your eyes give out. 

[ourloveisforthelovely]

In Love and Death Part 11

Harry Potter AU 

Link to Part 10 

Pairings: Regulus Black x Reader 

Rating: M

____

“YOU’RE ACTUALLY GOING?”

Tonks shrieked as you brushed your hair. Turning around, you quickly hushed her. It had been a week since you agreed to go see the healer. Today was the day of your appointment and you were a bundle of nerves. How you hadn’t broken down and told Tonks yet was still a mystery. You had agreed with Regulus to keep things hidden until “something” happened and it was killing you to not tell Tonks. The two of you shared everything. Now here you were almost ready to spill the beans at any moment. Regulus, on the other hand, was calm and reserved as he typically was.

“Yes, and I need you to keep your mouth closed. Regulus didn’t want me to say anything.”

Tonks looked offended.

“Where is the prince charming?”

“Still on a mission with his brother. I am beginning to get worried. He knows that my appointment is today...or at least he is supposed to. I need to leave in like five minutes and of course he isn’t here.”

Tonks glanced down at her watch. She was trying to see Regulus’ point of view in keeping things quiet. The reasonable side understood. He didn’t want to start more turmoil than necessary. The “best friend” side, however, was screaming RUDE!

“I can go with you if you would like. I know that I am not Regulus but I don’t want you really sitting in that clinic alone.”

You shook your head.

“Thanks but I would rather go alone if Regulus doesn’t turn up. It is going to be awkward enough.”

Tonks finally relented.

“True. I have to know what happens. I won’t tell Regulus that I know.”

You smiled as she held out her pinky for a pinky promise.

“Fine. I’ll let you know.”

Half an hour later, you sat in the healer’s exam room on your own. As much as you wanted to be annoyed with Regulus, you couldn’t be. This was part of how things would be with missions and you of all people knew that.

A knock on the door pulled you from your thoughts as a tired-looking old woman stepped in. She looked down at the filed folder in her hands.

“Ms. Rosier, correct?”

You nodded as she sat down and continued to read over the report in her hands.

“So, you are unable to get pregnant and are trying to?”

“True.”

You commented. Deep down you wanted to congratulate her on knowing how to read but your common sense reminded you that this old witch was here to help you.

“It looks like your problems are due to childhood trauma and abuse. Here drink this potion every morning for the next week and a half. It tastes like goblin piss but will work. I have fixed women with a lot of worse issues than what I am seeing with you. Drink your potion then have your husband work his magic.”

You almost snorted at that comment. Damn, you wished Regulus was here to hear that. You could see him blushing over that comment. The prudish side of him would be coming out in full force.

“He will love to hear that.”

You replied as you shoved the potion in your handbag. The witch chuckled.

“I don’t know many men who wouldn’t be thrilled with the prospect of getting laid. Come see me when you think that you’re pregnant and we shall see how things are looking.”

“That’s it?”

You asked, confused. The witch nodded.

“Did you expect me to start poking around down there?”

You shrugged.

“I was expecting more than this.”

The witch chuckled as she stood up. For the first time, the healer seemed to warm up. She reached out and patted your shoulder.

“You kids really are cute. Trust me, Ms. Rosier, this is going to be a lot easier than you expected.”

Stepping back into Grimmauld Place, you were still taking in everything that happened.

“Well?”

You were pulled from your thoughts as you stepped into the kitchen. Regulus sat at the table while Tonks, Remus, and Sirius were standing at the counter. Blinking, you tried to play innocent.

“Well, what?”

You replied. Regulus rolled his eyes as Tonks stepped in.

“Regulus told us where you were going today.”

“Yeah, the healer.”

Sirius came in. You breathed a breath of relief before sitting down at the table.

“I have a potion that she wants me to drink then you and I have some business to do.”

You smirked at the expression on Regulus’ face. He sat quietly waiting to hear some tale of events or get chewed out for missing the appointment but you casually took the tea that Tonks offered you as if nothing had happened.

“That’s it?”

Putting your teacup down you smiled again.

“You know that is the same reaction that I had. I was expecting her to be shoved between my legs looking at my lady bits but she looked over a chart, threw a potion at me, told me to have Regulus work his magic, then bidded me a nice farewell.”

Evan, who you hadn’t even noticed come into the room, froze at the “lady bits comment, spilled his tea, then turned and walked out without another word. Regulus made a mental note to be sure to torment Evan a bit later.

Regulus, himself, was taking in what you just said and blushed as the realization of what the healer said finally hit home.

“Maybe we should leave the two of you alone so you can work some magic.”

Sirius said, bursting into a fit of giggles at the embarrassed expression on your face. Regulus was shaking his head.

“Stay out of it, Sirius.”

Sirius poured a glass of fire whiskey with a smirk on his face.

“No need to be a prude, Reg. We have figured out that the two of you have sex. Some of us have been lucky to see the two of you with your tongues down each other’s throats.”

“Why are you watching, pervert?”

Regulus snapped before focusing his eyes on his older brother.

“At least when we have a child, it won’t have an older brother trying to sell it.”

Sirius didn’t look up as everyone in the room turned to look at him. He innocently looked down at his drink as you frowned.

“What are you talking about, Reggie?”

You asked. Regulus shrugged.

“Ask Sirius. It's his memory.”

Sirius finally looked up.

“I did not, oh wait, yes I did. He was so cute when mum and dad brought him home then he started screaming and taking up all of the attention.”

“I was a baby, you idiot.”

Regulus replied with a haughty frown. Sirius turned his attention back to you.

“So...anyway... I sold him to the old widow next door. Mum had to go get him back then I got the shit slapped out of me. So, Y/n, have you told Evan or Moody about the little plan that you two have cooked up?”

You had started to open the potion and looked up like a child who had their hand caught in the cookie jar.

“Well, no. I figured they could find out when it happens. It will be a lot less painful to deal with Moody after it happens. As far as Evan...he’s a smart boy...he’ll figure it out.”

Regulus’ eyes flickered back to you.

“He has an idea already. He heard you mentioning your lady bits and walked out.”

You stood up and went to the sink. How you missed Evan’s awkward and brief entrance was beyond you.

“One less thing to worry about.”

You downed the potion and automatically winced. Remus, who had been quietly listening from his place by the sink, met your gaze.

“Alright?”

You shook your head.

“Tastes horrible.”

You stood silently for a few minutes wondering if this was how Remus felt when he had to drink his “monthly” potion? If you, you felt sincerely awful for him.

“Well, I don’t feel any different.”

You commented. Tonks grinned up at you.

“It probably takes a bit to take effect. Might as well go work some magic.”

Regulus put down his drink and stood up.

“I’m out of here. Come find me when you need me, Y/n.”

A few hours later you stood helping Molly cook dinner. You had grown closer to the woman since everyone was held up in Grimmauld Place. At first, you thought there were too many people together but it actually wasn’t that bad. Molly had quickly become like the mother that you never had. She had been showing you how to do crafty little things that didn’t involve dark magic. You couldn’t help but smirking at the thought of how your grandmother and mother would be devastated that you didn’t have a Kreacher doing basic chores. Kreacher was enough of a basket case without asking him to do too much.

“Y/n, may I ask a question?”

You nodded as you finished cutting up a chicken. Molly put her knife down before turning.

“I overheard you talking about a certain potion.”

Molly had waited to bring the subject up when Regulus was out of the room in addition to every other man in the house. This was a conversation that she wanted to have without a bunch of “other ears.” Hermione sat at the table finishing up a salad. Molly was fine bringing this up around her.

You, meanwhile, put your own carving knife down.

“Yes, I went to see a healer about my not being able to get pregnant. She gave me a potion to try.”

Molly noticed how Hermione instantly stopped shredding the lettuce and started blinking. The young woman turned in her chair as Molly smiled.

“Are you sure that the two of you are ready for this? It's a big step.”

You were quiet for a moment before speaking. Were you ready...yes and no. You did wonderfully with Teddy but he wasn’t your child. What if you messed this kid up like your parents clearly did with you? Regulus’ childhood wasn’t much better. Two “damaged” people raising a child seemed like a bad idea.

“I know. It's really big but we both want it. I guess I will have to slow down a bit. That was Regulus’ one term and it makes sense. I’ve never liked the idea of being a housewife but maybe it won’t be so bad.”

“You don’t have to stop being an auror just because you are a mother. Tonks does a fine job at it.”

Molly commented.

“Had it been a few weeks ago I would agree with that comment but I was thinking about it...I thought about my childhood and Harry’s childhood...I don’t want my child growing up without parents. Molly, what if I’m a crappy mum? I didn’t have decent parents and neither did Regulus. What if this kid ends up as messed up as we are?”

Molly quickly reached out to cup your cheeks. She knew right away that it was time to go into “mum mode.”

“You will do just fine...both of you will. You’ve done great with Teddy. You also have a lot of support.”

Your worried expression eased up as Molly patted your shoulder.

“You have plenty of time to get ready. It will probably take some time for the potion to start working fully.”

Hermione meanwhile, finished up the salad before politely excusing herself. She had to warn Harry before the inevitable happened and found out in some horrible way.

Harry and Ron sat playing wizard chess when Hermione came into the room. Neither looked up at first. Hermione closed the door before turning back to her friends.

“I need to talk to the two of you.”

Harry’s eyes rolled up immediately noticing Hermione’s worried expression. He had grown used to being wary of that particular expression. When Hermione wore “that” look something was wrong.

“What’s wrong?”

Hermione sat down as both boys turned to face her. This conversation was not going to be easy. It didn’t matter how many times that Ron or Hermione told Harry to let go of whatever crush that he had on you; he hadn’t. Ron could have told Harry over and over that you were an adult now and had no interest in a younger man fifty times and Harry wouldn't care. Neither Ron nor Hermione could decide which crush was more damning…the crush on Cho or the one on yourself.

“Harry, I overheard Y/n and Mrs. Weasley talking. Y/n went to see a healer today.”

Harry frowned. You didn’t seem sick when he ran into you earlier that day. Granted, neither Harry nor yourself had really spoken since the spat over Regulus.

“Is she sick? What did Y/n say?”

Hermione took a breath before beginning to fiddle with the fabric of her jeans.

“Not that kind of healer, Harry. Regulus and Y/n are trying to have a baby.”

Harry’s mouth dropped while Ron looked confused.

“Why would they want to do that?”

Hermione shot Ron a glare.

“Ronald!”

Ron quickly recovered from his mistake and realized what Hermione was saying. He quickly turned to Harry who sat blinking. Harry sat motionless for a moment before jumping up to pace around the room.

“Why am I not surprised? Date someone for a short period then have a baby with them...makes perfect sense. Of course, she wants to make a family with him. Why wouldn’t she? Y/n won’t have to worry about him getting killed by some vindictive dark wizard or worry about…”

Ron quickly came in.

“Harry, I mean, she is a Slytherin like Regulus. Harry, what do you expect mate? Those two feed off of each other. Regulus is as sassy as Y/n, if not worse. Y/n will say something sassy and Regulus has the perfect back up comment. You won’t get far with trying to insult him.”

Harry sat down and took off his glasses to hold the bridge of his nose.

“That isn't what I meant, Ron but thanks for that. I’m going to get some air.”

Harry didn’t wait for Ron or Hermione to respond before storming out of the room. He was halfway down the stairs when he noticed Regulus sitting on the sofa in the small room off of the kitchen.

“I’ve got to be out of my mind.”

Harry muttered before walking in. Regulus didn’t look up from the book that his eyes were glued to. He didn’t even seem to notice Harry or care that the other boy was standing in front of him looking very upset.

“Regulus, I want to talk to you.”

Regulus didn’t lookup. He knew it was Harry without having to look at him.

“Um...okay.”

Harry opened and closed his hands a few times. It was taking all that he had not to lose his temper.

“I don’t think y/n needs a baby, it's too dangerous and you’re too old for her.”

Regulus finally looked up. He raised an eyebrow before smirking.

“Are you her father?”

Harry crossed his arms over his chest.

“No, he’s sitting in there looking confused.”

Regulus turned to look over his shoulder where Evan sat at the kitchen table muttering to himself... Rolling his eyes, Regulus turned back to Harry. It would be easy to hex the little fool for talking to him but you would also get mad at him. He didn’t feel like dealing with that at the moment. You being pissed at him wouldn’t get you underneath him anytime soon.

“Yeah, there he is. I guess I should only care about what he has to say but I don’t. Your opinion also matters little to me. I get that you’re chosen one but you're not god. Tell you what, I’ll consider your previous comment and put it in a filing cabinet in my brain. When I get the time and the desire to think about it...I will. Now run along and play in the street.”

Regulus went back to the book that he was reading as Harry’s furious expression intensified.

“You’re an ass.”

Regulus chuckled.

“Yeah. I’ve been told that. It's a real character flaw.”

“If Y/n gets injured by being with you...I’ll…”

Regulus looked up again.

“Alright, kid, I want you to listen to me. You care about her. I get it. There isn’t anything wrong with it but she’s my girlfriend and that won’t be changing. I’m sorry that you had all the bad shit in your life happen but, hey, crap storms happen. You don’t want me as your enemy. Now, as I said, run along and play.”

“Play?”

Harry snapped. Regulus nodded.

“Play...or whatever you kids call it nowadays.”

Before Harry could respond, you stepped into the room. You were immediately worried by the furious expression on Harry’s face and Regulus’ cool as a cucumber “this kid isn’t bothering me” demeanor.

“Reggie?”

Regulus looked up at you with a small smile. You weren't sure what you missed but had a feeling that whatever it was Harry was on the losing side.

“Yes, darling?”

“I need to talk to you.”

Regulus stood up without another word. He had a feeling where this “talk” was going and he didn’t mind in the slightest. He glanced over his shoulder at Harry before speaking once more.

“Hey, kid, watch out for cars when you are playing in the street.”

_______

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[theonlinemuse]

And me and @freckledpianoman are back with more Beth Chapel content! Continuing from this post, here’s even more headcanons about our favourite Dr Mid-Nite: 

Beth is nearsighted and started wearing glasses when she was three and a half. Bridget started noticing that her daughter kept squinting all the time and eventually took her to an eye doctor, attributing Beth needing glasses so early to all the times that she hid under the covers with a flashlight and read late into the night instead of sleeping 

Her prescription is really strong and while her glasses correct most of her vision, she still needs accommodations like enlarged and high contrast texts and other visual aids 

Chuck eventually becomes another accommodation since he acts as a cross between telescopic and magnifying glasses and a talking watch 

She’s fluent in French thanks to her grandma Beatrice’s influence and she can carry a conversation in Spanish (she picked it up from Bridget, who often talks with her patients in Spanish) and Norwegian. That last language throws people off when they first hear about it, but it comes in handy when four-year-old Pieter Cross and his family (who don’t speak much English) move to Blue Valley from Trondheim, Norway 

Yolanda grumbles about not being able to talk to Beth in Spanish class whenever she’s home sick from school because she's the one decent conversation partner she has in that class

Rick often practices translating for his French class with Beth. Once he goofed and said “madame le docteur”. And poor Beth was close to shaking him and going, “Rick, that's wrong on so many levels” 

He knows by the incredulous look on her face that he’s all sorts of wrong and he blushes all embarrassed. But later he mistranslates on purpose just to see her adorable reactions 

She wants to pick up more languages eventually (she’s deciding if she wants to take both Mandarin and Arabic in college like her dad did) and is currently learning ASL 

Beth is a Star Trek fan thanks to her dad’s influence. She and James would watch reruns of Deep Space Nine while she was growing up and it was their way of bonding. While that tradition didn’t happen as often when Beth started high school, she and Yolanda (who had watched Voyager with her brother and cousins) eventually start a tradition of watching Star Trek Discovery 

Beth and Yolanda’s love for Star Trek is often a point of contention with Rick and Courtney, who are both Star Wars fans. It’s been the subject of a lot of arguments about what to watch for JSA marathons. Pat is usually the tie breaker 

Beth learned how to garden from her grandma Beatrice, who raises African violets in her rooftop garden. Beth’s backyard isn’t big enough for a garden so instead she keeps all sorts of plants in her room, including little teacup succulents on her bedroom windowsill and in honeycomb shelves 

While her backyard’s too small for a garden, there’s a pink dogwood tree and she loves reading and having picnics under it when it’s in bloom. In the summer Beth makes her own butterfly feeders and hang them from the tree and watch the butterflies gather 

She grew up listening to Schoolhouse Rock thanks to her dad, who would play their songs in the kitchen whenever he made breakfast on Saturday mornings while she was growing up. Even now, Beth sings along to them whenever she hears them and Chuck starting adding them to karaoke mode, including her favourites “Three is a Magic Number”, “The Tale of Mr Morton”, and “The Energy Blues” 

When she was in middle school, she started using the melody of Schoolhouse Rock songs to memorize things like country names and the periodic table. She used the latter to help Rick memorize different elements for his chem class. Yolanda actually caught Rick softly singing to himself at his locker when he was searching for his notes for one last read through 

“Beth got you to sing? Willingly?” “I wasn't singing, you’re hearing things.”

Courtney is weirded out by the fact that Beths texts with Mike of all people, but it's mostly through gifs, emojis, and random memes. She has no idea what they even talk about, saying that Beth texts with Mike more often than she does with Rick, much to the latter’s annoyance. In reality Beth and Mike talk about robotics competitions, the latest episode of whatever they were binging (this week was Julie and the Phantoms), and their ongoing bet on when Courtney and Yolanda will finally get together

If Beth wins, Mike has to help upgrade her costume and if he wins, she owes him an ice cream cake 

“It's like their own little nerd language, it makes no sense.” 

Her style icon when she was little was Ms Frizzle. Beth thought that Ms Frizzle’s themed dresses and jewellery were so cool and she wanted to dress up like her. She still loves Ms Frizzle’s style and you can see the influence it has on Beth’s fashion from bright colours, unique patterns, and quirky jewellery 

Beth has a special section in her closet for Ms Frizzle like outfits that she wears to the children’s library she volunteers at. It makes her very popular with the kids there 

She actually dressed up as Ms Frizzle for Halloween in seventh grade 

Despite being on opposite sides, Beth and Cindy have a begrudging respect for each other similar to Betty and Wilhelmina’s relationship on Ugly Betty, Beth being the JSA member that Cindy tolerates the most

Cindy begrudgingly thinks that she does know a thing or two about fashion because she often upcycles clothes. Courtney’s surprised that Beth’s still alive after she said that Cindy dresses like an evil PTA mom within earshot, though she did kidnap Beth a few times for a shopping spree 

“Get in loser, we’re going shopping!” “Did you just quote Mean Girls?”  

The first time they had a standoff, Cindy went “please, I’m Japanese, you’re Black, we’re not talking around this thing like a couple of dull white people” 

Cindy once called Rick a feral raccoon and smirked when it made Beth accidentally burst out laughing 

While Beth is more than confident with her personal style, but she’s still very new to makeup in general. Yolanda and Artemis (even Cindy much to everyone’s shock) have taken it upon themselves to help experiment with makeup and find out what she likes. Beth immediately knows that she doesn’t like mascara, even as Yolanda scolds her to stay still while she’s trying to put mascara on her

“You’re making it seem like I’m torturing you.” “Your superhero costume has claws, that doesn’t exactly scream safe.” “I’ll have you know I’m very practiced with my claws, now stay still!” 

Beth likes the lipsticks and glosses much better, she likes the different colours and how it feels on her lips 

She has to get used to the feeling of makeup on her face in general, but she doesn’t mind it and she’s shocked when she looks in the mirror. It’s still very much her, but it's like she’s glowing. She can’t stop smiling and the girls all look at her fondly 

And they also exchange knowing looks, knowing that Rick is going to lose his mind 

She did a history report on Bessie Coleman in middle school and she eventually drew inspiration for her Dr Mid-Nite costume from looking at photos of Bessie’s pilot outfit 

Beth and her mom often did ceramics classes when she was a kid. They weren’t very good at it at first, but the little lopsided knick knacks they made always made them laugh. Beth and Bridget got better over the years with Beth painting colours and patterns on whatever her mom helped her make before they went into the kiln. She thought they would be plain otherwise and Bridget agreed with her 

While ceramics classes have since stopped, they still use the honeycomb mugs and planters that they made and painted when Beth was in middle school. Bridget uses one for the aloe vera plant she keeps in her office at the hospital 

Beth is allergic to pineapple. She found out during a school trip in third grade when Henry offered some of his fruit salad and she ended up with a swollen face and tongue, which really freaked Artemis and Cindy out. Yolanda and the villain kids ended up taking care of her until the ambulance came and Beth jokes that it was the one time the JSA and ISA kids worked together on something 

She now carries an epipen in her backpack and Rick has taken to carrying a backup one in his jacket in case Beth can’t get to her backpack in time 

She had a stargazing phase that she never grew out of. Her parents got her a mini telescope for her fifth birthday and Bridget started teaching her about the solar system before Beth started learning about constellations on her own. Bridget jokes that if her daughter hadn’t been set on becoming a doctor, she would’ve gone into astrophysics 

Beth still has a telescope set up by her bedroom window. Sometimes when she has trouble sleeping and she’s not in the mood to read, she’ll look for constellations through the telescope while Chuck chimes in with little known star facts 

She also has a starry globe nightlight and a constellation globe

She and Rick sometimes have stargazing “dates” out on her back porch. They curl up together in a patio chair with midnight snacks while they watch meteor showers. Sometimes Yolanda and Courtney will join them, curled up together in the other patio chair  

Beth and Courtney often have karaoke nights at the Pit Stop after Pat souped up Barbara’s old karaoke machine. The usual playlist includes fun 80s and 90s jams as well as modern songs like Bruno Mars, Lizzo, and Janelle Monae. Yolanda often joins them for girl group songs (Little Mix is a favourite), even though she protests that she’s not much of a singer when she’s not singing Selena songs 

Rick gets roped into doing a song too, much to his dismay. Courtney pouts and complains that he has to because there’s an unspoken rule that everyone has to sing

“I don't sing, dammit.” “Oh really, are you forgetting about that little ditty you were singing before your chem test?” 

Beth sees how nervous Rick is and decides to go easy on him, finding a slow, bluesy song that he can keep up with and assuring him that even if he can’t croon those long deep notes, everyone will cheer him on. He ends up giving the best performance of the night, shocking the girls and impressing them all 

He blushes when he sees Beth looking at him all starry eyed 

When Beth was growing up, her family would have game night every Thursday and they were always old fashioned board games like Clue, Scrabble, and Pictionary. Whenever they would play Clue, Beth would always choose to be Miss Scarlett while her dad would switch between Professor Plum and Colonel Mustard. Beth could never beat her mom at Scrabble and it often ended up with Beth’s chemistry words versus Bridget’s medical terms 

While game nights have since stopped, James will sometimes have Beth join him for a card game at three or four in the morning after he comes back from a business trip. He taught her how to play games like crazy eights, gin rummy, and cribbage when she was in middle school and it’s now their way of catching up after he comes back from travelling  

Both her parents are only children. James’ family was originally from California before he moved to Nebraska for work while Bridget’s family are of Louisiana Creole descent and hail from Omaha. Beth is quite close to Bridget’s side of the family, especially with her second cousin Delphine’s family. Beth sometimes helps look after Delphine’s daughter Eliana whenever she and her husband are in town 

Rick once mistook Eliana for Beth’s baby, hilarity ensued

Beth has a love for animals and since the fandom has collectively decided that Beth is a Disney Princess, she has a particular talent for being an accidental animal tamer. During a mission, three of the ISA’s attack dogs made a beeline for her and attacked her with doggie kisses instead of doing their job 

The ISA are torn between being pissed (“when the hell did Mid-Nite become an animal tamer?”) and confused. Sportsmaster is vaguely impressed and takes it as a challenge 

Later they tried scaring Beth with a python, which only really worked on Yolanda (“oh my god, what is that?”) while Beth just boops the snake on its snout. The snake swooned. So did Rick 

After Rick and Yolanda recover from the shock, they look at the trio of attack dogs follow Beth all the way to the Pit Stop and go “we’re not keeping you”. Rick just hopes that the trio are the only attack dogs that follow her back home. He wishes that he had been more specific because he was not expecting an actual maned wolf suddenly coming up and sniffing all over Beth during a visit to the Dugan-Whitmores’ cabin

“What the fuck, where did that come from and why is it all over Beth?!” 

It turns out that Beth didn’t realize that she had a cookie in one of her pockets and the maned wolf caught a whiff of it and was now trying to find it. The way it sniffs her is ticklish and she’s laughing the entire time 

Once the maned wolf brought over a friend to see Beth and Courtney goes, “aww, he met another–oh my god, that’s a panther!” The panther also wanted one of Beth’s treats and it swooped in between her and Rick and started pawing at her like a spoiled kitten 

Rick picked Beth up and carried her inside because “we can’t trust her outside anymore” 

[blackhakumen]

Mini Fanfic #690: Little Miss Rabbit's Approval (Sonic X Crash Bandicoot)

1:24 p.m. at the Rabbits and Chaotix's Household.......

Tails: (Standing in Front of Cream's Room Door with Coco and Amy Beside Him) I wonder what's taking Cream so long to set up her Tea Party......

Amy: (Does a Proper British Accent) The preparations of any Tea Parties must be set up with Elegance, Grace, and above all else, Love. (Giggles A Little While Talking Normally Again) .....Or at least that's what Cream always tell me.

Coco: So this Cream girl..... What's she like?

Amy: Only the most precious little angel you ever lay your eyes upon!~ You would've loved her already.....If a CERTAIN LITTLE FOX would've told her about you beforehand!! (Turns to Tails with a Pouty Look on her Face)

Tails: (Place his Hands Up in a Bit of Defense) H-Hey! I'm sorry about that, alright? I just...(Starts Rubbing the Back of His Head Back and Forth Nervously) Kinda forgot about doing so at the time, you know?

Amy: No excuses, young man! Cream is our precious little sister and it is crucial for her to know about these things!

Tails: ('Sigh') I know. I know.

Coco: (Giggles Softly at the Duo's Quarrels) So she's pratically the cute little sister of the group?

Tails: ('Sigh') Pretty much. (Smiles Softly at Coco) But Amy's right though. Cream is the most precious little bunny in the world. I'm sure she'll love you in a matter of seconds.

Coco: I hope so to be honest. I kinda wanna make a good impression on her already.

Tails: Don't worry. Your first impression is gonna be amazing. Just keep being who you are and you'll be just fine.

Coco: (Stares at Tails for a Brief Second Before Smiling Brightly and Confidently at him While Nodding) Right. Thanks, buddy.

'Door Opens'

Charmy: (Walks Out of Cream's Room With Cheese While Wearing Sun Glasses, and Turning to Coco) Are you Coco Bandicoot?

Cheese: (Turns to Coco While Lowering his Shades a Little) Chao Chao?

Coco: Uhhhh....Yeah. That's...me alright. Why ask?

Charmy: (Presents Coco to Cream's Opened Room Door) Ms. Rabbit would like to see you now.

Cheese: (Simply Nodded) Chao Chao Chao.

Coco: Oh. Uh... sure. Don't mind if I...(Slowly Walk into Cream's Room) Make myself in.

Tails and Amy follows behind Coco until Charmy and Cheese quickly went in front of them and stop the duo ij their tracks.

Charmy: And where do you think you two are going?

Amy: Uhhh.... We're going inside the room? For the Tea Party, remember?

Charmy: Yeah. Sorry. (Crosses his Arms) But I'm afraid we can't let you do that. You guys are staying here until further notice.

Cheese: (Crosses his Arms As Well) Chao Chao.

Tails: ('Sigh') Charmy, let us pass already.

Charmy: Did you not just hear us? We said you're staying here.

Amy: (Place her Hands on Both of her Hips) Charmy, you and Cheese let us in or I'm gonna tell Vector and Vanilla that you two have been misbehaving while they're gone.

Charmy: (Gasps Before Glaring at the Pink Hedgehog) You wouldn't.....

Amy: (Takes Her Phone Out of her Skirt Pocket While Having a Smirk on her Face) Watch me. (Slowly Begins to Tap on the Screen)

Charmy: ('Sighs in Utter Defeat') Fiiiiiiiiiine. (Step Away from the Entrance of Cream's Room on his Side) You guys may enter....

Cheese: (Floats Away from the Entrance of Cream's Room on his Side) Chao Chao.....

Amy: (Happily Walks into Cream's Room While Patting Charmy and Cheese's Head Along the Way) Thank you, boys~

Tails: (Follows Behind Amy While Giving the Boys a Shrug Along the Way)

Charmy: (Turns to Cheese) We really need a raise from this whole guarding business, Cheese.

Cheese: (Nodded in Agreement) Chao Chao.

Couple of Seconds Earlier......

Cream: (Sitting on Her Tea Party Table While Wearing One of Vanilla's Fancy Church Hat's) Ah. Ms. Coco Bandicoot, I presume. (Takes a Pretend Sip on her Empty Teacup While Looking at the Bandicoot) Care to have a seat?

Coco: (Oh my gosh. She really is adorable!~) (Comes Back to Reality While Clearing her Throat a Little) Yeah. Um... Don't mind if I do...(Slowly and Steadily Takes a Sit on the Kids Size Chair While Also Taking a Bit of a Deep Breath) Soooo....You must be Cream, huh? (Smiles Brightly (And a Bit Nervously)) It's nice to finally meet you in person.

Cream: Likewise. Granted, it would've been to meet each other sooner, if a CERTAIN BIG FAT DUMMY HEAD TOLD ME ABOUT YOU BEFOREHAND!!! (Angrily (And Adorable) Pouts at Tails Whole has Just Stepped into her Room with Amy)

Tails: (Sighs While Feeling a Tad Bit Guilty) Cream, I'm sor-

Cream: (Starts Wiggling her Finger at Tails) Nonono. We are going to have a long talk about this later, mister.

Tails begins to pout a little himself while Amy place a hand on his shoulder with a bit of a sheepishly smile on her face.

Cream: Right now....(Turns to Coco) I want to speak to your newfound friend some more.

Coco: Sweet. So uh....What you wanna talk about first?

Cream: Well, for starters, I would like to how you and Tails first ever met.

Coco: Oh. Well, it was a couple of months ago. We met at this really cool Technology Store at the Smash District Mall. (Smiles Brightly) We've been best buds ever since.

Cream: I see.....(Have a Bit of a Suspicious Look in her Eyes While Slowly Taking a Pretend Sip of her Teacup Before Putting Back Down on the Table) So....Since you two have been friends for that period of time, it means you love him very much, correct?

Coco: (Smiles Brightly) Well, yeah. Why wouldn't I be? I love him a lot!

Tails: (Immediately Starts Blushing to Coco's Words)

Cream: Really? So much so that you'll do ANYTHING for him?

Coco: (Giggles Softly) Definitely, if I needed the help. And trust me, he would do the same for me too. We got each other's back after all.

Cream: Oh... Really? I-If absolutely so, then....then....t-then.....(Suddenly Begins to Groans Heavily) I can't take this polite posture anymore!!! (Pouts at Coco) I am sorry, Ms. Coco, but I'm afraid that I do not approve of your friendship with Tails right now!

Coco: (Eyes Widened in Genuine Surprise) Wait what?

Tails/Amy: (Eyes Widened in Complete Shock) What!?

Tails: Cream, why not?

Cream: I don't know. It's just....('Sigh') What if she starts being mean o-or disrespectful to you one of these days?

Amy: Cream, sweetheart, I promise you that wouldn't happen.

Coco: (Frowns a bit Sadly at Cream) Yeah. I would never do that to him.

Cream: I know, but....I-I mean, it wouldn't hurt to be cautious about all of this!

Coco: Cream, are you are really worried about your big brother's well-being?

Cream: ('Sighs in a bit of Defeat') Yes. I am. I mean, why would I be? Tails is the most precious fox I've ever met.

Tails: (Starts Blushing Again) Hey! I-I not that precious...

Amy: (Lovingly Hugs Tails) Yes, you are!~ You're the most precious fox in the whole wide world~ (Gives the Two Tailed Fox a Kiss on the Cheek)

Charmy: (Turns to Tails from Outside of Cream's Door) Yeah. I'm younger than you and even I believe that's the case.

Cheese: (Turns to Tails as Well While Simply Nodded) Chao Chao Chao.

Tails: (Starts Rolling his Eyes While Blushing Some More) Not. Helping, you guys.....

Cream: He means so much to me and I want to make sure he's happy and in good hands. (Looks Away From Coco a Bit Shyly) I know it might be overprotective of me to say all these things, but that's exactly how I feel in the moment.

Coco: (Stares at Cream for a Few Seconds Before Slowly Smiling a bit Softly) Hey. Cream?

Cream: (Slowly Turns Back to Coco) Yes?

Coco: I know we just met and everything, but can I fill you in on something?

Cream: (Thought About the Request for a Brief Second Before Nodding) I suppose so. What is it?

Coco: You see, to tell you truth, Tails is.... literally the first friend I've ever made.

Cream: ('Gasps') Really?

Coco: (Simply Nodded) Yep. I live in an island with my big brother, his girlfriend, and a talking, magical mask name Aku Aku. I've been close to all them for so long that I've never really had the chance to make any friends outside of that island. That is....Until I met Tails those couple of months ago. He's the most sweetest, intelligent, compassionate fox I have the pleasure of even meeting. And like I said before, I promise you, from the bottom of my heart, that I would never EVER do anything to hurt or betray him like that because he means so much to me and I really love him a lot.

Tails: (Almost at a Loss of Words) Coco....

Coco: And you're right....(Turns to Tails) Tails is a precious little cinnamon bun~ Probably the biggest one there is~ (Winks at her Best Friend)

Tails: (Immediately Starts Blushing Yet Again) Y-You too, Coco!?

Coco: (Playfully Shrugs at Tails) Whaaaaat?~ It's the truth, isn't it?

Amy: (Simply Nodded While Still Hugging Tails) It is!~ Very much so in fact~

Tails: (Glares at Amy) Amy!

Cream: (Giggles Softly at the Whole Scene) Okay. Okay. (Gets Up from her Seat and Make her Way to Coco) I think I've finally starting to understand now.

Coco: (Quickly Turns Back to Cream) Really? So....does that mean-

Cream: (Happily Nodded) Yes. Starting today, I hereby approve of your friendship together. (Gives Coco a Somewhat Loving Hug) Please take extra good care of my big brother Tails for me~

Coco: (Giggles Lightly) Don't worry, kiddo. (Hugs Cream Back) He's already in good hands.

Cream: Thank you. It makes me so happy to hear you say that.

Tails/Amy: (Already Starts Gushing Over How Adorable Cream and Coco's Hugging Together Are) Awwwwwww~

Cream: (Turns to Tails and Pouts at Him) But I'm still mad at you for not telling me about her sooner, Tails!

Tails: (Sighs While Rolling his Eyes) I'm sorry, Cream, alright? It never came into mind to do all of that up until now.

Cream: No excuses! I'm suppose to the little sister of our lovely group of friends! So it should be very crucial to tell me these kinds of things.

Amy: (Whispers into Tails' Ear) Told you so....

Tails: (Sighs Once More) Look, I'll do anything I can to make it up to you. I promise.

Cream: (Slowly Raised an Elbow) Anything?~

Tails: Yeah. Anything you want. Just.... don't ask for anything too extreme, okay?

Cream: If that's so, then can we all watch a movie together in the living room?

Tails: Yeah. Sure. We can do that no problem.

Cream: Can we watch a princess related movie?

Tails: Any of them you wanna watch is good enough for all of us.

Cream: With love and cuddles along the way?~

Tails: (Chuckles Lightly at How Adorable Cream is Being Right Now) Yes. With love and cuddles all around.

Charmy: Ooh! Can we drive your airplane after that!? Do a loopie loop five or ten times?

Cheese: (Smiles Excitedly) Chao Chao?

Tails: (Eyes Widened in Fear) Okay! Let's not get crazy here!!

@26shann

@keyenuta

@lovekittynoir

@ma-lemons

@albion-93

@miki-13

@caleb13frede

@bestpony666

[punyparkerfics]

double vision

Arvin Russell and Peter Parker Twins AU

Tony collects Spider-Man for the fight in Germany and finds out he’s quite literally twice the trouble she had expected.

A/N: This is me cementing my place as CEO of the Parker twins. It’s literally all I’ve thought about for over a month. My actual twins au doesn’t have female tony stark, and doesn’t include Arvin for this meeting. this is just me seeing if I could actually write these boys and giving y’all a small taste. hope you enjoy!

Tony desperately wanted to stop herself. She knew this was a terrible idea. Unfortunately for all parties about to be involved, she wasn’t left with much of a choice. Ross had given her basically no time, and Steve had given her no room to negotiate. Tony never wanted to involve a kid still enrolled in high school (if her quick scan of what FRIDAY had compiled on the kid was accurate) in this mess. But again, she had no choice.

It was easy enough to sweet-talk her way into May Parker’s apartment. Tony was recognizable and surprisingly doing well in the press, that paired with her smart appearance and pretty smile was more than enough for the woman. 

Mrs. Parker had let her in with a kind smile and an insistence that she brewed tea for the two of them to pair with her fresh walnut date loaf. This led to an over-excited May Parker rambling about nutrition and how difficult it could be to get teenage boys to get all the vitamins and shit they needed for healthy development… or something? Don’t ask Tony, a plastered smile and convincing nod compensated enough for her to not have to actually listen to what the woman was saying. 

Before she knew it, the two women sat beside each other on the cozy couch situated in the living room. Tony gazed around the apartment and thought it was adorable, very homey. She could see signs of life in it that just weren’t present in Tony’s own home. Whether it was a kicked pair of shoes or a stain or chip on the coffee table, it was clear there were many memories in the space surrounding them. The Tower, no matter how many people it housed at any given moment, never looked lived-in… it never felt like an actual home. Not quite like this. 

Tony smiled at the framed photos on the mantelpiece as May continued rambling on about omega vitamins or iron deficiencies or… something. Again, it’s very important to not ask Tony. Her mind had about a million things running through it at the moment, she couldn’t be bothered to be an attentive student on nutrition right now, nor ever. It didn’t seem odd to Tony that there seemed to be an absurdly large amount of school photos of the same face all over the apartment. She figured the Spider-Kid just came from a very loving family with a doting aunt looking after him, and that made her feel warm and fuzzy but she wasn’t sure why.

“So,” May’s voice cut through Tony’s distracted gaze, drawing the billionaire’s attention to her, “What did you say brought you here? I’m sorry my head’s all over the place today.”

Tony politely smiled and placed her teacup back in the saucer before clearing her throat, “Um, I’m here to talk to Peter. He applied for a grant provided by Stark Industries. I was so impressed by his application I had to meet him, and you, and hopefully, discuss the next steps.”

“Grant? Peter didn’t tell me about any grant?” May shook her head, her brow furrowed, “Maybe he told—”

“Kids these days are so excited to share things with their friends that they forget to tell their family. I bet it slipped his mind that he applied.” Tony offered easily.

“Maybe,” May muttered, still looking put-off, “I just… Peter’s been such a big fan of yours since he was little, I couldn’t imagine he’d keep something like that from me or—”

The two were interrupted by the sound of muffled arguing coming from behind the front door and a key jingling in the lock.

“How many times have I told you—” a low and steady voice called out, upset, only to be interrupted but a higher-pitched, nearly frantic one,

“Would you stop treating me like—”

The bickering continued as the door to the apartment swung open, the voices much louder this time. Tony’s eyes shot to the door and her jaw dropped at the sight before her. Two teenage boys of the same height, weight, hair color, age, and fucking face were barking at each other in front of the apartment door. Tony was flummoxed, they both looked just like the kid she was here to pick up and take to Germany. 

There weren’t two spider boys, right? The idea that there was more than one person behind the mask had crossed her mind a time or two but seeing a pair of identical twins wasn’t something she would ever even think to consider.

“Boys!” May called out, her face instantly changing from confused to stern, “What is the matter with you two?”

The two stop going at one another to look towards the woman addressing them. The one on the right, his chocolate curls obviously have escaped the copious amounts of hair gel he’d meticulously applied very well complimented his oversized sweatshirt and skinny jeans. 

Tony figured that was Peter as he gaped at her in awe when his eyes landed on her, the argument with his twin brother obviously since forgotten. His identical counterpart was dressed in a white t-shirt underneath an open grey button-up and dark jeans. His hair was smushed underneath a dark navy cap, chocolate curls poking out on the sides. 

This brother, though, either hadn’t noticed Tony at all or couldn’t care less that the billionaire superhero was sitting in his living room, because he just relayed whatever it was that riled them up to his aunt.

“He thinks he knows everything and that I— stop it!” The boy grunted and shoulder bumped his brother who was frantically patting his arm, obviously trying to get his attention. But again, the boy remained unperturbed in telling his aunt what was bothering him as he continued.

“He never fuckin’ listens to me then gets mad when I so graciously save his sorry ass from any trouble, and I—”

“Arvin!” Probably Peter, now graduated to Definitely Peter, cried as he shook his brother’s shoulder and pointed to where Tony remained sitting in shock on the couch.

Arvin looked about ready to clobber Peter but settled for looking in the direction his twin brother oh-so-desperately wanted him to look. Upon the realization of what exactly he was looking at, his face melted from one of fury to one of pure confusion.

“What the hell are you doing here?” Arvin asked.

“Arvin Eugene Parker!” May called out as she stood to instill what was nothing short of the fear of God into the boy, “Where are your manners, young man?”

“Sorry ma’am,” Arvin ducked his head in mild embarrassment from upsetting his aunt, “Won’t happen again, May. You have my word.”

He whipped his hat off and ran his fingers through his hair before looking at his twin expectantly. Peter stood frozen, his wide eyes glued on Tony. Arvin cleared his throat and bumped Peter’s shoulder again, hopefully reminding him of his own manners.

“Ms. Stark!” Peter squeaked in surprise, “Hey, I-I-I’m Peter.”

Tony bit back a chuckle at the boys before her before pointing to herself casually, “Tony.”

“What are you- what are you- what are you doing here?” Peter asked nervously, clearly flustered from seeing the woman in his apartment. Arvin snorted at his brother’s pathetic excuse at being casual in front of his lifelong idol. 

“Arvin,” May reprimanded again, causing the boy to sober up and nod with an apologetic smile.

“Excuse my brother, Ms. Stark,” Arvin addressed Tony, “He’s a real big fanboy of yours and he’s probably trying not to piss himself right now.”

“Arvin!” Peter cried in horror before shoving his brother, “Shut up!”

“Fuckin’ make me!” Arvin retaliated with an identical shove of his own.

“Okay, that��s enough!” May interrupted, her hands on her hips and her face sternly expectant, “If you two don’t cut it out right now, I’ll get the shirt.”

“No!” The two shouted in unison, a flash of panic on their faces, before straightening up and standing shoulder-to-shoulder with sweet smiles on their faces.

“The shirt?” Tony quirked a brow at the woman.

“It’s nothing, Ms. Stark!” Peter blurted, “It’s uhh… Anyway, what was it you said you were doing here?”

“You weren’t gonna tell me about the grant?” May asked Peter, her face soft.

“The-the grant?” Peter repeated with clear confusion in his voice.

“The September Foundation,” Tony supplied easily. Her eyes flicked over to Arvin who gave her a hard stare. For some reason, she felt like the kid was onto her. 

“Right,” Peter agreed, his demeanor more than unconvincing. 

“Yeah, remember when you applied?” Tony asked.

“...Yeah…” Peter replied nervously. Arvin looked back and forth between the billionaire and his brother with a sense of distrust on his face. 

“I approved!” Tony shrugged casually much to the dismay of the boys’ aunt, “So now, we’re in business.”

“You didn’t tell me anything, what’s up with that? You’re keeping secrets from me now?” May asked gently.

“Well, I just- I just know how much you love surprises, so I just thought I would let you know—” Peter was beginning to flounder. Whatever Ms. Stark was actually there for, he didn’t want to let her down. He knew he certainly didn’t apply for any sort of grant, certainly not one with anything to do with Tony Stark. If he had, May and Arvin wouldn’t have heard the end of it, they all knew that,

“With all due respect, that’s a load of shit,” Arvin interjected to everyone’s horror. 

“Arvin, I will not tell you again—” May was clearly at the end of her patience with these boys, the mouthy one in particular. 

“May, we know better than anyone on the planet if Peter had applied for a grant from Tony Fuckin’ Stark, that’s all we’d hear about for weeks. I don’t know why she’s actually here but it’s not for no damn grant,” Arvin explained, his face hard and unrelenting.

“I didn’t say anything because—” Peter began to only be interrupted.

“Don’t try to feed me any bullshit, P,” Arvin shook his head, “I’ve been shoulder-to-shoulder to you your entire fuckin’ life, I know you. And I know she’s lyin’.”

“She isn’t!” Peter insisted, “I didn’t say anything to you or May because I didn’t want you or her to be disappointed if I didn’t get it. I didn’t want to get my hopes up, y’know?”

“Like we’d give a fuck about that,” Arvin scoffed, “September Grant or not, we’ll always be proud'a you. You know that.”

“Arv,” Peter looked at his brother with pleading eyes. Arvin was the only person in the world that knew all of Peter’s secrets, even the big one. Peter had a feeling that whatever Ms. Stark was here for, it was spider related and he really needed Arvin to at least play along if he was going to get May to cooperate without asking too many questions.

Arvin studied his brother for a long moment before turning his gaze to Tony. She had remained seated on the couch, looking expectantly at the boys and occasionally glancing at her watch. Clearly whatever she wanted with his twin was time-sensitive. And sure, Arvin’s protective instinct for his brother was what drove him to do pretty much everything he did, but he didn’t want to ruin whatever opportunity Tony Stark was about to give him. While he didn’t trust Tony in the slightest, he knew he had to trust Peter and his instincts. Sure, his brother might very well be blinded by hero worship but he wasn’t stupid. He just really had to trust him.

Arvin sighed and relented, “Fine, I believe you,” he lied. 

“Mind if I have a minute with him?” Tony asked as she stood, straightening out her skirt and looking to both May and Arvin for permission.

May seemed on the fence. She wasn’t too skeptical before Arvin called the situation as he saw it: unlikely. May Parker knew her boys too well. She knew that Peter would more likely than not gush excitedly about the grant in question and his application for weeks to the point Arvin would consider smothering his own twin with a pillow. 

But she also knew Arvin was fiercely protective over Peter and always had been. Arvin spent his entire life by Peter’s side, fending off bullies and monsters under the bed, holding his brother after particularly scary nightmares and more grief than the two teens could ever imagine. Arvin was, in short, Peter’s protector. But that meant Arvin often let their trauma lead him to paranoia, constantly fearing people had the worst intentions when it came to Peter.

At the end of the day, May reminded herself, Tony Stark was a superhero. She was Peter’s hero. It was hard for May to think of any scenario in which a super-suit toting billionaire philanthropist would go to such lengths to pluck a random kid out of Queens for nefarious reasons. That paired with the fact that Arvin had relented definitely eased the woman’s mind. She looked to Arvin for his response.

“Whatever,” Arvin shrugged as he made his way back to the door to the apartment, “Have fun talking about your stupid grant.”

With that, the stoic twin stormed out. Peter and May let out identical sighs, the latter bringing a hand to massage her temples.

“I’m sorry for any trouble I’ve caused,” Tony piped up.

“Oh, no,” Both remaining Parkers insisted at the same time.

“Arvin’s just—”

“He just—”

The two sighed again.

“I’m gonna call him,” May said, pulling her phone from her pocket before turning to Tony, “You two can talk in the boys’ room.”

Peter offered an awkward smile before leading Tony to the bedroom he shared with his brother. Locking the door behind her, Tony looked around the room. It was clear two teenage boys inhabited it by the random articles of clothing strewn around the room and the bright posters adorning the walls and the bunk beds.

“You the Elvis fan?” Tony asked, pointing to a framed poster of the king himself.

“No, ma’am,” Peter shook his head, “That’s my brother. Arvin’s really into music from the ’50s and ’60s.”

“Hmm,” Tony nodded, clearly impressed, “I have to admit that does surprise me.”

“About Arvin,” Peter interjected with a grimace, “I’m really sorry about him, Ms. Stark. He’s just super protective, is all. He really is a nice guy, you just— You caught him on a bad day.”

“Ah, don’t worry about that,” Tony waved him off as she continued looking around the room and stifling a smile at the framed photographs of the twins from when they were much younger, “Not why I’m here.”

“Right…” Peter nodded, “I definitely didn’t apply for your grant. Arvin knows that.”

“Your brother’s really on top of things,” Tony agreed.

“Yeah, like I said,” Peter sighed, “Super protective.”

“Bet that can get infuriating,” Tony hummed, reminiscing on her MIT days and a menacing James Rhodes by her side.

“Well, he’s my brother,” Peter shrugged, “I know he’s only like that because he loves me.”

“That’s sweet,” Tony smiled. The genius casually pulled up a holographic video of a masked spider-like vigilante swinging through Queens as if the conversation prior hadn’t happened, “That’s you, right?”

“Wh- No?” Peter denied, causing Tony to roll her eyes.

“Listen, kid,” Tony sighed, “You and your clone really ate up valuable time that I don’t really have. You got a passport?”

“No,” Peter shook his head, “I don’t even have a driver’s license.”

“You ever been to Germany?” Tony asked.

“No.”

“Oh, you’ll love it,” Tony replies flippantly.

“I can’t go to Germany!” Peter exclaimed.

“Why not?” 

“Well, I got homework and—”

“I’m going to pretend you didn’t say that,” Tony rolled her eyes again.

“And Arvin for sure won’t be cool with it! He’ll flip, seriously,” Peter shook his head, “I’m sorry, Ms. Stark, I’d love to help you but my brother would actually kill me if I went to Germany with you.”

“What’s he thinking I’m gonna do to you?” Tony grumbled, “I’m not a kiddie snatcher or anything. I’m a damn superhero. Does he know that?”

“Yeah, he just,” Peter chuckles nervously, “You’re still a stranger and all. He doesn’t take too kindly to those.”

“What if I took you both?” Tony suggested. She really was at the end of her rope here, and she needed this kid on a plane to Germany as soon as possible. If taking his angry twin brother meant that he and his aunt would be at ease without asking too many questions, she’d easily do that.

“Us both?” Peter repeated in shock.

“Yeah, you and thing 2 can sit pretty and take a private jet. If he wants a separate room, that can be arranged, but he’s gonna wait in the hotel for you until we’re done. He’ll make sure you’re safe and—”

“I don’t know,” Peter sighed, “I’d have to talk to him.”

“Okay,” Tony nodded, “Any idea where he might be? I take it he knows about your arachnid activities.”

“Yeah, he’s the only one who knows,” Peter agreed, “Kind of hard to keep things from him, and he’s stubborn as hell.”

“I can tell,” Tony chuckled, “So, where can we go get him?”

“He’s probably with his friend Michelle,” Peter offered easily, “But we can see if May got a hold of him”

“Good call,” Tony said as she sauntered towards the door, her hand on the doorknob, “We should tell your unusually attractive aunt—”

The genius was cut off by the distinct sound of a thwip and the feeling of her hand being bound to the doorknob. 

She looked up at the kid and saw him pointing his crazy web shooter contraptions at her before he held a finger out and said, “Don’t tell Aunt May.”

“Okay, Spider-Boy, get me out of this,” Tony rolled her eyes at the boy’s dramaticism.

Once Peter had pried his idol out of the strong webbing, the two walked out into the living room where May was pacing. The woman stopped upon hearing the two enter before looking up at them.

“Is he okay?” Peter asked.

“Yeah,” May sighed, “He’s at Delmar’s with Michelle.”

“She must’ve been in the area, then,” Peter hummed, turning to Ms. Stark, “Delmar’s is a bodega just a few blocks from here. It won’t take long to go get him.”

“Perfect,” Tony hummed before turning to May, “Mrs. Parker, Peter has been offered a spot at the Stark Industries Internship Retreat in Palo Alto. It’s an all-expense paid trip, he’d get put up in a hotel and he’d be participating in workshops with other recipients of the September Foundation grant that qualify for the retreat.”

“What?” May choked, her eyes wide, “Palo Alto? California?”

“Ms. Stark said that Arvin could come with me!” Peter assured her, “That way I won’t be out there without anyone I know, and we’re out of the apartment while you work throughout the weekend.”

“You—” May turned to Tony. The poor woman looked so confused.

“Peter told me that Arvin wouldn’t be comfortable letting his brother go on a trip with a stranger,” Tony explained, “I figured you’d feel similarly, and it’s really no trouble if the two of them came. He could shadow Peter at the retreat since he doesn’t qualify as he didn’t actually apply. He’d even get his own room if he wanted, but he’d—”

“No,” May shook her head, “They have to share. You can’t separate them. They stay together the entire time. That’s my only condition.”

May wanted to say no. She wanted to ask the billionaire if she was crazy, that there was no chance in hell she’d let a stranger take her boys to California on such short notice. But, May felt a sense of ease at the idea of the two of them going together. She knew Arvin would look after Peter and Peter after Arvin. May knew her boys had an unbreakable bond and an ability to take care of each other better than even May could. She’d seen it firsthand when the boys first moved in after their short stay in foster care, once Ben and May finally got custody of them.

May knew the boys loved her and had loved Ben just as much, but they only truly needed each other. They’d proved that time and time again. And because of that, May surprised herself by deciding that Peter wouldn’t ever have an opportunity like this again. And Arvin tagging along made it that much more special, she figured.

“That’s perfectly fine,” Tony smiled.

“You stick with your brother, Pete,” May said to Peter, not giving the boy any room to argue, “No matter what, okay? If he tries running off on his own, you let someone know and you follow him if you have to, okay? I don’t want you two getting separated so far away from home.”

“I promise,” Peter nodded with a soft smile, “We’ll be okay, May.”

“You two gotta look out for each other,” May urged him, her hands gripping the teen’s shoulders.

“We always do,” Peter assured her, “I gotta go get him from Delmar’s, so I can tell him and we can pack.”

“I’ll take you,” Tony offered, swinging her car keys on her finger, “We’ll get there in a flash.”

Peter looked back to his aunt with sparkling eyes as he silently asked for permission. May hesitated for a second before her face softened into a smile, her baby was too excited to deny him. So, she nodded. 

“Love you, May,” Peter nearly squealed with excitement as he pressed a kiss to the woman’s cheek and gave her a tight hug, “Be right back!”

Tony had to suppress a smile as Peter practically skipped over to the front door and held it open, gesturing for the woman to walk through.

��After you,” He said kindly to the billionaire. Tony raised her eyebrows and turned to May.

“Quite the gentleman,” Tony noted, “You must be proud.”

“Very,” May nodded, “Arvin’s manners are usually better than what you saw, you’ll have to forgive him.”

“Water under the bridge,” Tony waved her off like she had done to Peter before. She found it endearing how badly the two of them wanted her to know that Arvin was a kind boy. She was more than inclined to believe it.

“Let’s go, short stack,” Tony said as she led the way to her car, smiling as she heard Peter send May another ‘I love you’ before closing the door and trotting behind the genius.

“You’ll navigate me, right?” Tony asked as they made their way down the stairs, “I don’t really know my way around here.”

“Yeah, for sure,” Peter smiled, “It’s not too far, Ms. Stark.”

“Okay,” Tony nodded, “We go get your brother and give him a rundown of what we told May. He knows not to spill your secret, right?”

“He’d never,” Peter scrunched his face as he held the door to the apartment lobby open for her, “He knows it’s to keep him and May safe.”

“Good,” Tony hummed. She unlocked her car and got settled, ignoring how Peter gaped at the vehicle before climbing in himself, “Then we won’t need to convince him to go along with us, right?”

“I’m sure he’ll get it, Ms. Stark,” Peter agreed as he fastened his seatbelt, “It should be fine.”

“Okay,” Tony replied. She followed Peter’s direction to a little bodega just a few blocks from the apartment.

She could see Arvin from the window out front. He was leaning against a wall, lazily sipping on a bottle of root beer beside a light-skinned girl with curly hair. She was pretty, she’d have to give him credit there.

Peter made his way into the bodega to collect Arvin, kindly waving to the man behind the counter, making Tony smile. Arvin watched his brother with a mild intensity as he took another swig of his root beer, the girl looking up at where Peter was approaching. Michelle, if Tony recalled, looked at Peter briefly before returning her attention to the book in her hands. Tony could see she was still attentively listening as her brows raised slightly when Peter began to talk animatedly and gestured towards Tony’s car. When Arvin looked at the car and Tony inside, she saluted the kid. His face hardened again and he adjusted the cap on his head before turning back to his brother, asking him something Tony couldn’t decipher. 

Whatever Peter was telling him, seemed to ease his mind, because he sighed and nodded before turning to Michelle. He seemed to ask her a question, as she nodded in response before punching him lightly on the shoulder. The boy smiled and pulled her into a quick hug before following Peter out of the bodega, making sure to wave to Michelle as he left.

It was nice to see Arvin smiling, Tony thought. He had the same twinkle in his eyes that Peter had. The same light and hope. The two exited the bodega (after they both waved at the man behind the counter again. Gosh, these boys are too friendly.) and Arvin disposed of his root beer bottle in the recycling bin before shoving the last bite of a candy bar in his mouth and throwing the wrapper in the trash bin. The boy chewed thoughtfully as he looked at the flashy sports car in front of him. Peter clapped a hand onto his shoulder before seemingly urging him to climb in the back seat with him.

The twins piled in the back seat, Peter’s excited smile back on his face and Arvin’s skeptical stare on his own. 

“All set, boys?” Tony asked, looking back at them, “Your girlfriend won’t miss you?”

“She ain’t my girlfriend,” Arvin grunted in response, “Where’re we actually going?”

“Germany. We’ll take a private jet, I have someone getting passports for the both of you, they’ll have your school ID photos on them,” Tony replied as she turned back around and started the car.

Peter clicked his seatbelt into place before nudging Arvin to get him to do the same. 

“So our aunt thinks we’ll be three hours behind when we’re actually six head?” Arvin asked as he fastened his own seatbelt, “How’s that gonna work, genius?”

“Arv,” Peter sighed, “Don’t pretend you haven’t lied about where you were before.”

“Yeah, but I’ve never been in a damn foreign country before, P,” Arvin hissed, “Sayin’ I’m with you at Ned’s house when I’m really at Pioneer with Jamie ain’t the same as saying I’m in California when I’m really in fuckin’ Germany, now is it?”

“It’ll be fine,” Peter shrugged, “If May wants to call us when it’s 3 AM in Germany, we can just say we were at dinner or that we were sightseeing with a group or something.”

Arvin just shook his head before looking out of the window. Tony held back a sigh as she pulled back up in front of the Parkers’ apartment. She knew this was going to be a long trip. Thanks alot, Rogers, she thought bitterly. God, she just hoped she was making the right choice here. Only time would tell, she figured.

[arrow-guy]

Author and Auror (3/??)

Synopsis: Eleanore Vaughan has never been one for the spotlight. Her cousin, Rosaline, is the one best suited to the limelight, and is happier for the attention. Though Nora is most comfortable tucked away in her book shop, what happens when Grindelwald’s sudden takeover flips her world upside-down and thrusts her into the inner circle?

A/N: Chapter three, lads, we’ve arrived! Finally a little more one on one interaction with Nora and Theseus. Again, this is a story in collaboration with @thorne93​, and I will link the last chapter she posted! As a reminder, I’m not tagging anyone unless explicitly asked to do so, If you’d like to be tagged, shoot me a message and I’ll be happy to do so.

Page dividers by @carryonmyswansong​

Previously, with Rosaline...

Pairing: Theseus ScamanderxOFC

Word Count: 4.5k

Warnings: Angst, fighting/arguing

Part 2

“I’m telling you, I don’t know where she is!” I cry. “She walked into the flames, Grindelwald grabbed her, put his hand on her forehead and she just crumpled.”

“Well, what happened after that?”

“They disapparated.”

“And after that?”

“Newton Scamander apparated Theseus and I out of the mausoleum.”

“That can’t be the end of it.”

I slam my fists down on the table and stand abruptly, sending my chair skittering across the floor. “How many times do I have to tell you?! IT WAS.”

A hand on my shoulder gently pulls me away from the table. “Sir,” Theseus says, his voice strong and even. “I think that’s enough.”

The head of magical law enforcement stands across from me, looking between Theseus and I. He straightens his posture and clasps his hands behind his back. “Very well. You may go.”

“Thank you,” I say. I don’t let myself relax.

“We’ll be contacting you if we have any further questions.”

“I’ll be sure to slam the door in your Auror’s faces,” I hiss.

I snatch my jacket from the hook near the door and shove my arms through the sleeves as I walk out the door. I storm down the hall and manage to get into an empty elevator, only to have Theseus stick his hand between the grate and the doorway. He slips in beside me and I lean on the wall and scowl, arms folded. He leans on the handrail next to me with his hands in his pockets.

“I’m sorry, Nora.”

“Did you know they were going to attack me like that?” I demand.

He shakes his head. “No. I was only told they wanted to ask you a couple of questions. I wouldn’t have asked you to come if I knew.”

“I appreciate that,” I grumble.

“How have you been doing?” he asks softly.

I look down at my shoes. “Fine. I’ve been working a lot. Helping Newt when I’m not at the shop. Been trying to distract him from Tina when I can.”

“I thought he liked Tina.”

I shrug. “Things got all muddled after Paris. She was staying with Newt for a while, but I’m lending her my guest room for now. She plans on going home to pack up some things. She’ll catch a portkey back and look for a more permanent place to stay.”

“That’s very generous of you.”

“Glad you think so.” The elevator reaches the first floor and I thank the operator and exit quickly. Theseus follows after me. “Don’t you have a meeting or something to go to? You’ve never followed me out before.”

“I’m Head Auror. If I can’t skive off work every once in a while, what’s the point?”

I choke out a laugh. “Must be nice.” I bite the inside of my cheek. “Tessa is opening shop today. Would you want to come by mine for a quick cuppa?”

He smiles. “I’d like that.”

“I’m home!” I call into the flat when Theseus and I walk through the door.

My cat Juno trots into the entryway and meows at us. She immediately places her paws on Theseus’ pant leg and mews at him, demanding to be pet. Theseus chuckles and stoops down to stroke her head and scratch her ears.

“Nora?” Tina calls from upstairs.

“Yes?” I answer, taking off my jacket and scarf and hanging them on the coat rack.

“You said you had a small library, right?” she asks, hurrying down the stairs. She pauses halfway down when she sees Theseus. “Head Auror Scamander.”

He nods to her. “Ms. Goldstein.”

“The library is the door to the right of my bedroom,” I answer her question. “What were you looking for?”

She shakes her head. “I wanted to do some research. Fiendfyre and what that skull Grindelwald had might have been.”

“I know that I have information on fiendfyre, but I don’t think you’ll find anything about the skull. You’re welcome to look, though.”

“Thank you,” she says. She glances between Theseus and I before bolting back up the stairs.

“Be careful! Some of those texts are very old!” I call after her.

“She seems jumpy,” Theseus comments.

“She’s been like that ever since we got back.” I gesture to the kitchen. “Tea?”

He releases a heavy breath and his shoulders sag minutely. “Yes please.”

We move about the kitchen in general silence while the water boils. Theseus grabs the tin of tea sachets from the cupboard he knows they’ve always been in and I gather mismatched tea cups and saucers. Theseus sits at the table and I take a seat on the counter across the kitchen from him.

Theseus taps his spoon on the rim of his teacup and bites at his bottom lip.

“Something on your mind?” I ask. I half don’t want to know the answer.

“I feel like we haven’t properly spoken to one another in years,” he says.

“That’s because we haven’t, Theseus. You’re Head Auror and I own a bookshop. Our paths hardly have cause to cross.” I set my tea to the side and reposition myself so that my legs are folded under me. “After you got engaged we saw each other even less.”

“Are you blaming me for our loss of contact?”

“Absolutely not!” I realize I’m wringing my hands together and immediately reach for my tea. “I think… what I’m trying to say is that it was my fault.”

“What?” He puts down the tea spoon and leans forward in his seat. “Why would you say that?”

“It’s silly…” I shake my head. “We were never very close to begin with, and I didn’t want to be in the way of your relationship with Leta. Especially with the way she and Rosaline got along.”

“You can’t be serious.”

“I assure you, I am. Dead serious.”

His brow furrows. “You’re my friend. There’s no way you would have gotten in the way.”

I press my lips together and roll the teacup between my hands. “I don’t-I can’t exactly explain what I mean. I just… Look, okay, it’s like this, right? I didn’t… ugh.” I shake my head and press one hand to my forehead. “I don’t know. I distanced myself from you. And I’m sorry. You’re my friend and I shouldn’t have done that.”

“That makes absolutely no sense.”

“I know,” I groan and let my head fall back against the cupboards. “I was in Ravenclaw. I never said I was actually smart.”

Theseus laughs and a smile tugs at the corners of my mouth.

“Well,” he says. “I will be there when you feel like you can actually explain. If you want to.”

“And I promise I’ll be here if you need me.”

“I appreciate that.”

I lift my teacup to him and he does the same. We grin at each other and sip our tea.

Nearly a week later, two Aurors saunter into my bookstore about a week after Theseus and I had tea. They calmly ask the few customers that are in the store to leave and I send James and Tessa to the back to keep them out of sight of the Aurors. I stand behind the till, arms folded across my chest, and glare at them.

“What do you want?”

One of the Aurors is a young man I recognize from when Rosaline was in school and the other is someone I’ve seen with Theseus on several occasions. The older Auror speaks up first.

“We were wondering if you’ve seen Head Auror Scamander recently,” he says.

My brow furrows and I shake my head. “No, I haven’t. Not since last week, at least.”

The younger Auror mutters something to his partner and shakes his head. 

“Are you sure you haven’t heard from him?” the older Auror asks. “Not even an owl?”

“Look, is Theseus in trouble?”

His eyes narrow and he tilts his head to the side. “Should he be?”

“What? No! He just lost his fiance not even a month ago. Give the man some room to grieve.”

“And how would you know this?”

I roll my eyes. “I was there when it happened.” The young Auror looks shocked. “What? Has the news not circulated through the entire ministry yet? Thought the head of the department would have let this slip, what with the fit he pitched last week when he interrogated me.”

“Very well, Ms. Vaughan,” the older Auror says, signaling to his companion that it’s time to leave. “We’ll be in touch.”

“Don’t be!” I call after them.

As soon as they’re out the door, Tessa and James creep out from the back and immediately start asking questions.

“What do you mean you were there when it happened?” James demands. “You saw Leta Lestrange die?!”

“Yes.”

“So you were in Paris?” Tessa asks. “You were with Newt Scamander? Did you see Grindelwald? And Nicolas Flamel?”

“Whoa, slow down.”

“Sorry.” Tessa hangs her head.

I sigh quietly. “Yes, I was in Paris with Newt. I did see both Grindelwald and Flamel. And I want both of you to take the floo home from now on. Keep the wards around your houses or flats strong and don’t answer the door unless you’re expecting company.”

“Why?”

“Grindelwald is gathering followers.”

“But-”

“No. No buts. I know you two are good kids, but I’ve seen what this man can do. He’s a very charismatic wizard. If he could talk to you for even just a moment, he may be able to pull you to his side. I want you to stay safe. Do I make myself clear?” They nod. “Good. Now, let old Mrs. Callow back in, she's been waiting to buy that household transfiguration book for nearly a week and they kicked her out.”

James nods and hurries to the door to let customers back in.

“What if I don’t feel safe going home?” Tessa asks.

“Then you can stay with me.”

She tilts her head to the side. “I thought you said you had someone staying with you.”

“She’s been offered a room at my parents' home. My guest room is available if you need it. Just let me know, okay? I’m here for both of you when you need me.”

Demeter hoots from her perch near the window. I look up to see what’s going on when a flash of lightning fills the room. The wind picks up and the rain drives harder against the roof of the flat. I pull my blanket tighter around me and rest my cheek on the arm of the couch. The fire flares in the hearth when a particularly strong gust of wind rushes across the chimney. I quickly cast protego over the fire to keep it from escaping from the fireplace. The street lamps flicker and a few go out, prompting me to shrink even further into the couch cushions.

A knock at the door pulls my gaze away from the dimming streets and I look around the living room before I can bring myself to get up off the couch. The knock doesn’t come again. I stand at the door and stare at the knob, willing it to open on its own. It doesn’t.

I reach out and pull the door open. Leaning on the stoop railing, Theseus stares at his shoes, hands in his pockets. His hair is slicked down over his forehead by the rain and his suit is unbuttoned and completely soaked. Raindrops slide down his nose and drip from his eyelashes when he blinks. He hasn’t even noticed that the door is open.

“Theseus?” I try to keep my voice quiet.

He slowly tears his eyes away from the brick steps and meets mine. His shoulders shake and his brows pull together. I watch as his lips quiver and he pushes himself off the railing and moves towards me. Without thinking, I meet him halfway and open my arms to him. He wraps his arms around my shoulders, burying his face in the crook of my neck. I can feel his warm tears against my skin, and I hold him tighter.

“Theseus, you’re soaked,” I murmur.

“She’s gone,” he whispers. “S-she's gone and I couldn’t do anything to save her.”

I pull away and Theseus hangs his head. I reach up and push his hair away from his forehead and he finally looks at me. His face crumples and my heart breaks.

“Come on.” I gently take his hands in mine and guide him into the flat. “Let’s get you warmed up.”

He nods absentmindedly and follows me inside. I lead him up the stairs to the bathroom and help him out of his suit coat and vest. Just two weeks ago he would have batted my hands away, but now he just lets me work. I draw him a bath and tell him to get in. He only hesitates a moment before his fingers start working over the buttons of his shirt. I excuse myself and head down the hallway to the linen closet to get him a towel. I stop at the guest bedroom to grab a set of pajamas as well before heading back to the bathroom. Theseus looks up when I open the door and follows me with his eyes as I move through the room. I place the towel on the stool beside the bathtub and the pajamas on the toilet a little ways off. His wet clothes lie in a heap in front of the tub.

“Sorry,” he mumbles.

I shake my head and bundle up the damp mass, but leave his undergarments behind. “Take your time. I’ll be downstairs when you’re ready.”

He nods and sinks down into the tub so that his nose is just above the surface of the water. I close the door behind me and slide down the wall to sit on the floor. I wipe the beginnings of tears from my eyes and push myself up to my feet and head back downstairs. I string up the pieces of Theseus’ suit over the shielded fireplace to dry and dim the lamps slightly, softening the light in the room. I dry my blanket and curl up on the couch with the book I had been reading before.

With the heat of the fire, I feel myself starting to nod off just as I hear footsteps coming down the stairs. I push myself up into sitting and find Theseus standing at the foot of the stairs. I rub at my tired eyes and wave him over to the couch. He sits beside me and stares into the fire, wringing his hands. He clasps his hands so tightly his knuckles start to turn white. I cover his hands with mine and gently coax them apart, rubbing my thumbs over his knuckles. With my legs folded underneath me, I sit turned fully towards him. Theseus doesn’t even look at me.

“It wasn’t your fault,” I say. His hands tighten in mine. “Don’t say anything. Just listen to me, okay? You were just doing your job. So was she. She walked into that fire to protect you and Newt.” I reach up and push his drying hair away from his forehead. “We may not have gotten along, but I know she cared about you. So much. She kept you alive so that you could continue fighting for the good of the Wizarding world.”

“I don’t know if I can do any of this without her. I can’t bring myself to go into work and I hate going home when I know she’s not going to be there.”

“Well I can’t do any of it for you.” I tip his chin up and he finally meets my eyes. “I’ll help you, though. As much as I possibly can. I promise.”

“I can’t ask that of you.”

“Darling, you showed up on my doorstep half drowned. You’re wearing your brother’s spare pajamas right now. If this isn't a cry for help, then I don’t know what to tell you.”

He cracks a smile, but it falters. “I’m so sorry, Nora. I shouldn’t have come.”

I snort in derision. “On the contrary, I think this is exactly where you need to be. All you’ve heard since we got back from Paris is condolences. “I’m sorry for your loss”, “It must be so hard for you”, “I can’t imagine what you’re going through right now”, but you hate it because no one really knows how you feel. I was there, Theseus. I watched him take my cousin, my… my sister away from me. If anyone knows what you’re feeling, it’s me.”

“I-I know, Nora. I’m so sorry we didn’t do more.”

I choke back a laugh. “What didn’t we try? My magic went wild right before Newt got us out of there and even that could barely touch that fire.” I shake my head. “My point is that this isn't some kind of trauma from the war you can compartmentalize and file away to deal with later. You’ve done a lot of looking after people. Let someone else look after you. At least for a little while.” I can see his eyelids begin to droop, the heat of the fire finally settling into his body. “Come on. You’re probably tired.”

He nods and takes my hand when I offer it. I lead him upstairs and show him to the guest room. I let him know that Newt’s been looking for him.

“You practically disappeared after you and I had tea. He’s been really worried,” I explain.

“That’s… hard to imagine. Newt, worrying about me of all people.”

I smile. “You should know your brother better by now. Your relationship may be complicated, but he still cares about you.”

He pulls back the duvet and sits on the mattress. “I’ll be out of your hair in the morning, Nora, I promise.”

“Don’t worry about it. You’ve always been welcome here.” He smiles and I turn to leave, but he catches my hand. “Theseus?”

“Don’t destroy yourself because of this,” he murmurs. “We can find her.”

“Can we?” I sit on the bed beside him and he grips my hand.

“It doesn’t matter how long it takes. We’ll find her. Bring her home.”

“Thank you,” I breathe.

Theseus pulls me into a tight and sudden hug. It takes me a moment to react and hug him back. When my arms tighten around him, he sighs softly and his nose presses into my shoulder. I tuck my forehead to the crook of his neck and allow myself to relax. He rubs one hand up and down my back and pulls away all too soon.

“I’ve kept you up long enough,” he says softly.

I nod. “It’s fine. Goodnight, Theseus.”

He smiles. “Goodnight, Eleanore.”

“You could come into work with me, you know. If you wanted to.”

Theseus scowls at himself in the hall mirror and spells the wrinkles from his suit. He shakes his head.

“I’ve already gotten in your way enough.”

“What else do you have to do? Wander the countryside and avoid going into the Ministry?”

“Hah! You’re funny, Nora. How did this never come up in school?”

“I think it might be the fact that any time I suggested we spend any amount of time together, you blew me off for a game of Gobstones or something. Can’t really think of a time you were interested in me at all.”

“Didn’t think you wanted me to be, at the time.”

I snort. “Every girl wants older boys to be interested in them. It’s the basis of our self worth.”

He stops fussing with his hair and looks at me. “Is that true?”

“For some girls we went to Hogwarts with, yeah.”

“Let me rephrase that. Was it true for you?”

“No. It was not true for me.” He seems unconvinced. “Come on. Help me at the shop today. Practically everyone will be working or at Hogwarts. Thirty people will come in, at most.”

He bites his lip. “Fine,” he says. “I'll go with you.”

I clap my hands together. “Fantastic! I've got a new shipment of potions books arriving today. I could use your help putting them out.”

He laughs. “Of course. I should have known you'd only want me there for free manual labor.”

“I'm offended by the very notion, I hope you know!”

He reaches out to me and hesitates. I tilt my head to the side and he finally takes hold of my tie and straightens it. I smile and gesture to the door.

“Shall we go?”

He nods and offers me his arm. As soon as the door closes behind us he apparates us to my shop. It’s still early enough that the only people out are elderly witches and wizards waiting on their doorsteps for the morning issue of The Daily Prophet. David, the man who delivers my stock, waits for me outside the shop. Theseus’ hand goes to his wand and I place one hand on his chest.

“He’s just a delivery man,” I say softly. He nods and stuffs his hand in his pocket. “Morning, David!”

“G’morning, Ms. Vaughan!” David waves. “Got yer packages here. Bit heavier than last time.”

I laugh. “There were several customers who wanted more potions books stocked, so I figured I’d try and get one of everything and see how that went.”

David shakes his head. “Sounds like yeh should be runnin a library, not a bookstore.”

“I’ll keep that in mind. Thank you for dropping everything off!”

“Have a lovely day.” He turns to Theseus and tips his hat. “Mr. Scamander, sir.”

Theseus nods to him and David climbs back onto his wagon and moves on to his next delivery. I grab a box from the stack and unlock the door. It swings open and the smell of ink, parchment, and old books washes over me. I sigh, feeling some of my stress melt away and cross the threshold. There’s a light tinkling that sounds deep in the shop, signifying that I’ve crossed through the wards. One singular honk of the alarm tells me that Theseus has crossed through too.

“What was that?” he asks.

“The wards. I haven’t adjusted them to recognize you yet. I’ll do that in a moment.”

“They’ve never done that before, eh?” He sets the boxes of books he’d heaped into his arms on the floor and dusts off his trousers.

“They’re time sensitive. I’ve keyed them to mine, Tessa’s, and James’ magical signatures so that when we’re opening or closing we can tell if there’s an intruder in the store. You’ve only been in during the middle of the day so there’s been no need to change them.”

“You think this will become a regular thing?”

I shrug. “Maybe, maybe not. But Newt has access, and I’ve strengthened the wards since Paris. I figure you’re one of the few people I actually trust, so I might as well add you to the list.”

Theseus stares at me and I raise my eyebrows. He coughs once and his eyes drop to the boxes of books on the floor. “Where do you want these?”

I shake my head and point to the shelves labelled “Potions”. “There should be some space over there. I’ll need to pull a few titles before you start shelving them. I want to put them on a display table near the door.”

He nods and begins hauling boxes over to the shelves. I cut into the boxes of regular stock and send them to their usual shelves with a flick of my wand. Anything that can’t go out finds a home in the back of the shop. Theseus and I cut into the boxes and I fill my arms with books with the flashiest covers to put them on the front tables.

With the new displays set up and all stock either put out or stored away, I put a kettle on in the back. Theseus leans on the front counter and I drag the stool out from behind the till and offer it to him. He takes a seat and I hop up onto the counter-top and fold my legs under myself.

“Why do you always do that?”

“Hmm?”

“You sit on counters. It’s like you’re part cat.”

I smile. “And if I am?”

He shrugs. “Guess I’ll have to live with it. Just, please, no hairballs strewn about.”

I laugh. “Very funny! Looks like you’ve finally found your sense of humor! Where’s it been hiding all these years?”

He rolls his eyes, but he’s smiling. The kettle begins to whistle and I immediately hop down from the counter and head back to fix us up some tea. The Floo roars to life as James steps through and heads to the front.

“Theseus is here to help with the new stock,” I tell him. “Don’t give him a hard time if he asks where something goes.”

“Wait, what?” James stops and turns back to look at me. “The Head Auror is doing menial labor for you?!”

“He’s taking a couple days off work and needed something to do. Who am I to turn down free work hours?”

James snorts. “You’re pure evil, woman. I hope you know that.”

“I don’t have to employ you,” I say, not even bothering to look up from the sachets of tea I'm preparing. “Remember that.”

“I definitely will. But you’re going to have to calm Tessa down when she sees there’s another Auror in our shop. Especially after the speech you gave last week.”

“I know, don’t worry about her right now. Worry about what’s happening up front.”

He shudders. “He’s probably shelving everything wrong.”

“Then send him back here instead. I trust you to take care of things.”

He snorts and weaves through the precarious stacks of books. “At least there’s that.”

I put the sachets in the teapot and pour in the boiling water, and leave that to steep. I look over book orders from the night before and begin writing up a list for the stock order later in the week. I can hear a muffled disagreement before something crashes to the floor. Someone shouts and sends someone shuffling to the back. I see Theseus drop down onto a stool out of the corner of my eye.

“What’d you do to get yourself sent back here?” I ask.

“James tried to take over and the books I had enchanted fell. He blamed me and sent me through.”

I snort and cover my mouth with one hand. Theseus lifts one eyebrow. “Oh come on. I can’t laugh? You, Head Auror Scamander, dropped a bunch of books because you got distracted! It’s funny!”

He rolls his eyes. “Have you always been this mean?”

“Yes, actually. My entire life. And you fell for it!”

He smiles. “You really believe you’ve fooled me?”

I shrug and turn my attention back to the orders. “I suppose we’ll have to wait and see, won’t we?”

He laughs. “I guess.” The kettle whistles and Theseus pulls himself up from the stool. “Do you want me to fix you a cup?”

I nod and bite back a smile. “I’d appreciate it, thank you.”

-----------

Part 4

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[cole-grey-writes]

Kiss & Ditch

Universe: Gossip Girl

Timeline: Season 1, Episode 10

Character(s): Carter Baizen

Pairing(s): Carter Baizen x Male Reader

Warning(s): swearing

Summary: based on a dialogue prompt I found. credit to whoever it was, because it was not me. “You look so sexy when you’re ignoring me.”

A/n: my first carter baizen story! I'm so excited, you can’t even believe it. I've waited to do this for so long because I had no idea what to write for him and also, I kinda wanted to wait till i had more characters to add to the list but I just couldn’t put it off any longer. Here is my first carter baizen story and I hope many of you out there will want more because I do. Enjoy!

You stuff mini pressed sandwiches into your mouth, doing your damn well best to drown out the girls fawning all over the obnoxious douchenozzle of a socialite, Carter Baizen. Not that it’s in any way easy, but it’s the best you can do unless, of course, you want to be shunned for losing your cool and knocking him out silly with one of the fragile china teacups.

You wish you could be anywhere but here. In fact, the only reason you’re even a part of cotillion is because you were, and still are, Ms. Rhodes assistant during debutante season. You would be just sitting at home, watching episode reruns of your favorite shows, if not for Ms. Rhodes taking you in as her assistant all those years ago when you were just figuring out who you were in high society.

Your family had only come into fame and fortune when you were just a kid. Your mother had finally gotten the lead role in a remake of a very well known movie, leading her to quickly becoming one of the most sought after actresses. And your father, in turn, had received a modelling job right after that from a very famous clothing company. Your father was practically walking the runway before his interview was even over.

Ms. Rhodes was nice enough to put you to work at such a young age. Although, you know for sure that she used to have some sort of ulterior motives, you’re not an idiot, but you let her do as she pleased. You assumed that she would’ve just thrown you out when she got whatever it was she wanted, but you are still her assistant. You figure Ms. Rhodes got used to having you shadow her constantly. Perhaps she thought keeping you around was better than doing debutante season all by herself or taking the time to hire someone else when it wasn’t necessary.

It gives you something to do either way, so you haven’t ever complained, until now.

“You know,” you jump violently, swearing under your breath. You were so lost in your own mind that you hadn’t noticed Carter approach you. “You look like a chipmunk shoving all that food into your mouth.”

You whip your head around to see if anyone is watching your interaction, but no one is. Facing the man, you scowl as mean as you can but Carter, the bastard, smiles back, seemingly unbothered. You turn away from him, quietly wondering, “What the hell do you want?”

Carter steps so he’s standing next to you instead of behind. You still don’t look his way. “What, I can’t just want something to eat?” Biting your tongue, you choose to ignore him. In response, Carter hums in a deep rumble. You refuse to admit to yourself that it’s a very hot noise, coming from deep in his throat. “You look so sexy when you’re ignoring me.”

You immediately pause right before you’re about to shove another chocolate truffle into your mouth, which is still filled with the last one. You take a deep breath and swallow what’s left in your mouth. Your turn to Carter with a stern set in your eyebrows. Before you open your mouth to speak, you take note that Carter seems to have lost the smile he no doubt had when he was flirting with you. You tell him pointedly, “You know what you did,” before you turn away from him for good this time.

Carter sighs and you can almost feel him hang his head in shame. “I do know. And I’m–”

“Y/n!” Ms. Rhodes’ high and frilly voice interrupts anything Carter was going to say. You look over at your boss. “Come on, dear, we need to discuss your cotillion wardrobe.”

You forced an accommodating smile onto your face. “I’ll be with you right away, Ma’am.” You turn back to the snack table to grab another truffle when Ms. Rhodes nods in understanding, avoiding Carter still. When you turn to leave him standing at the snack table all by himself, Carter’s hand shoots out to touch your arm.

You flinch unexpectedly. Carter pulls his hand away without hesitation when he sees, but he leans slightly closer to you regardless. “If you’re willing to listen to my apology… come find me at cotillion,” he whispers.

You glance towards the man. You watch the genuinity pool in the blue-grey of Carter’s eyes, but you don’t speak. You turn away, walking away to catch up to Ms. Rhodes as she walks away from the hustle and bustle of the Waldorf’s tea time. You feel Carter’s eyes on you until you follow Ms. Rhodes around a corner.

The cotillion turns into a complete disaster.

It started off how you expected with Carter glancing your way every few minutes, eyeing you up from the moment he arrived until he had to join Serena for the presentation statements, which, actually, turned into another problem. Someone had apparently changed Serena’s presentation statement from the reputation building statement into something far more lewd. Admittedly, you had found it funny but that’s not the point.

You don’t know how the statement was changed because you’d gone over them dozens of times before the ball. You even went over them with Ms. Irlock, the presentation speaker, right before the statements started. And Ms. Rhodes, nor even Ms. van der Woodson, found it as hilarious as everyone else had.

The night only got worse from there.

You thought it was just going to be those two flukes, minor inconveniences really, and then you could just enjoy your night. You could bask in the payoff from the hard work you put into this ball.

You were very, very wrong.

When the dancing started, you noticed rather quickly the odd behavior from Nate and Chuck. You thought nothing of it. You knew the drama that seemed to follow this particular group of Upper East Siders so you chose to ignore it. You figured that they wouldn’t dare cause a scene at such a major event, but you should’ve honestly known better. You’ve known these people since you were all children so you have no one else to blame for the mistake except yourself.

The icing on top of the shit cake that was being served at this cotillion is when Nate abandons the dance to punch Carter in the fucking face. It's how you end up pressing a cool glass of apple cider to Carter’s cheek.

“I suppose,” you begin, grabbing Carter’s attention. “This isn’t really what you had in mind when you said to come find you.”

Carter hums, almost sounding amused. “It wasn’t,” Carter agrees. He pauses to gently take the glass from you. “But, I’m not actually upset that you're still here.”

Pressing your lips together, you stare down at your hands as they rest in your lap. You think hard about how you want to phrase your next words. “I… think… that I’m not entirely upset, either,” you lick your lips subconsciously before you continue. “I had planned to find you at some point, anyway.”

There’s a moment of silence that passes between you and Carter. It’s not uncomfortable or awkward, just slightly heavy as you both think over your confessions.

“What I did,” Carter bites his lip, “back when we were teenagers, it was wrong. I know that, knew that. And it happened to me a while ago, so I know how it feels now.”

You scoff. “Oh, so it had to happen to you for you to regret it?”

“No, I regretted it way before that, but it was my karma for doing it to you,” Carter tells you. Sitting up straighter in his seat, Carter leans towards you. “I’m sorry, Y/n, for… kissing and ditching you. I’m really, really sorry.”

You breathe in deeply, processing his apology, before you smile. “Well, I’m glad you apologized.”

“So, is this the part where we kiss and make up?” Carter wonders cheekily, a small smile gracing his lips. Smirking, you lean forward teasingly to kiss Carter’s cheek, right over where he was punched. Carter smiles back. “While I find that peck comforting and sweet, I would also like a kiss on the lips.”

Playfully, you look off into the distance and pretend to think about it. Ultimately, you shake your head. “Not quite time for kisses on the lips yet. You still have a lot of making up to do.”

(NOT MY GIF)

Main Blog // Other Side Blog

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[gloves94]

To Be So Lonely [Draco Malfoy] 4

Rating: PG-13 Pairings: Draco Malfoy/OC Chapter warnings: Bully!Draco

Raised as an orphan, Nel Saintday, endured years of torture from the Slytherin House. The Dark Lord only allowed her existence for her to serve a very specific vile purpose for him. Her birthright dictates for her to choose a side in the Wizarding War… But what would happen if she dares defy the Dark Lord and his wishes? And what happens when she falls for her tormentor? Will Nel fulfill her life’s purpose? And what side will her tormentor, Draco Malfoy, choose? The light that calls to him or the darkness…

CHAPTER MASTERLIST MY MASTERLIST

1 9 9 1, September 1st

Harry and Nel talked a little about Hogwarts, their owls, the magic world and what not. After dinner Nel suggested that they venture out into the alley and go and get some ice cream. Being so late and not wanting to oversleep in the morning Harry persuaded her to stay by offering to share a pumpkin pastry with her. She was never one to complain when it came to food, so she accepted.

The next morning both overslept and left in a hurry. Because they overslept, they didn't have breakfast, instead Nel used her paid breakfast to buy some lemon biscuits to go for the rest of the journey to Hogwarts. Both went dressed in their Muggle clothes packed their heavy trunks and made way to King's Cross taking the tube. It must've been odd for Muggles to see them both. Two eleven-year old's alone carrying two large trunks and their caged owls. On the way Nel offered her seat to a pregnant lady who turned out not to be expecting a child and was very upset by her comment. Harry couldn't tell if she had done it on purpose to irritate the woman or not.

They arrived to Platform 9 but there seemed no sight of the 3/4. Nel still looked around anxiously worrying that this whole thing was some type of extremely elaborate prank. She was still waiting for Ms. Wool to pop up and claim her vengeance for the many evils the girl had done to her in the past.

"It should be here," Nel said looking down at her ticket.

Both found themselves lost and attracting the unwanted peering eyes of Muggles. The owls were growing irritating hooting loudly in protest of being inside of their cages.

"What do we do?" Harry asked feeling lost.

"Train leaves in ten minutes," Nel clicked her tongue and looked at a large overheard clock nearby beginning to feel somewhat stressed.

"-packed with Muggles, same every year-"

Both whipped their heads around. Muggles. That was only a word that wizards and witches knew. They had to be magical. Probably heading to the same place.

They spotted and decided to follow a plump woman with wavy red hair and her four children with the same matching colorful hair around King's Cross. All carrying trunks, one had an owl balance on top of his trunk. Yeah. They were definitely going to the same place.

"You're not old enough Ginny, hush," the mother scolded one of her children. "Now, Percy, you first."

The boy who seemed to be the oldest took his cart and lined up with the divider between the two platforms. The two eleven-year old's watched the boy attentively as he pushed his cart forwards briskly.

"He's going to crash!" Nel shouted with her big mouth attracting the attention of Muggles and Non-Muggles nearby.

She was in shock when he instead seemed to magically phase through the wall.

"First time?" The plump woman turned to look at the two children with a soft expression. She guessed they were both probably Muggle-born children. "We don't know how to get to the train," Harry said to her. Not being one to ever ask for help and much less from an adult Nel kept her ears peered waiting for instruction.

She placed a hand on both of the children's arms and kindly turned them towards the wall where one of her kids had just vanished.

"Walk straight at the wall between the platforms. Don't stop, and don't be nervous, or you'll crash, that's key. Best do it at a bit of a run, if you're nervous. Watch Fred," she said addressing one of her twins.

The boy scowled.  "I'm not Fred, I'm George! Honestly woman, you call yourself our mother!"

The woman looked flustered. "Sorry George." She waved him forwards dismissively.

The boy grinned cheekily. "Only joking, I am Fred."

His mother scowled, aiming a swat at his shoulder when he passed. His twin yelled at him to hurry up, and the next moment, George was gone too. "Go on," She ushered both of the children forward with care. "Before Ron," she said signaling to yet another one of her red-head children whom the others gathered to be Ron.

Harry stepped back allowing Nel to go ahead. Part of her mistrusting nature suspected that he wanted to see if she would slam towards the wall or not. Regardless she nodded and took in a deep breath, gripping her cart tight. She ran towards it elbowing a Muggle on the way. She braced herself for impact wincing at the expected pain.  Instead she phased through the wall just like that woman's other children also had. Glancing back over her shoulder Nel could only see a wall. Yet ahead of her- This world was never going to cease to amaze her. Before her on the platform stood a regal scarlet colored engine train that was generously puffing out heaps of white vapor steam. She gaped at it in awe face breaking into a broad grin. It was then that she spotted a spot of white from the distance.

It was that same rude boy she had meet at the bookstore. His parents were bidding him goodbye as he got ready to board onto the train.

"Oi!" She said quickly approaching him blocking his path and forgetting all about Harry or the red heads. She stood on his way hauling her trunk and owl behind. "It's you," she glared at him.

"What do you want orphan?"

Really? That was the best insult he could come up with. How unoriginal. Even Aisha could probably come up with something better. She scoffed at his petty  insult.

"About that-" She began starring him down. "Don't tell anyone… about - well, about my family. Please?" Her expression softened a bit.

"Embarrassed?" He taunted with no shame.

"Never," She narrowed her eyes, her expression hardening once again. It wasn't a complete lie. "Not that you'd understand, but I don't want to be known as the orphan girl in a new school. Know what I mean?" She attempted to get him to emphasize just a little.

"And why should I do as you say?" He shot back boarding the train challenging her. "After all, you're just a filthy little mudblood," He spat the vile world.

Nel had never heard such a slur. She had no idea what it meant. She brushed it off her thick skin with no concern having been called worse by others. She didn't have a single good reason why he should listen to her besides the one she had just given him. If he wasn't going to be reasonable, she left him no choice. She left him no choice. "Because if you don't - I'll make you regret it," she threatened.

He looked at her for a moment before laughing loudly in her face and retreating inside of the train.

She glared at him. He made her feel that same way Alf and those other bratty kids that were in her life made her feel. Powerless. And that word she had called her. Mudblood. She didn't know why it left such a filthy taste in her mouth.

Climbing in the train fuming. She carefully plotted her revenge. She kept a careful eye on the back of his gelled head as he entered a compartment. Nel looked for a place of her own and went inside of the first compartment she could find where three girls and a boy were sitting. Two of the girls were twins and introduced themselves as Padme and Parvati Patel. The other girl had large bushy hair and stuck out her hand formally introducing herself as Hermione Granger and lastly the boy she was to sit next to was dorky looking his name was Neville Longbottom. He was holding a large ugly toad in his hands and looked as if he wouldn't last a minute at Wool's. They made idle talk before the train began to move. The students in the compartment stood up and were pressed up against the glass waving their goodbyes to their families excitedly.

It was then that the lightbulb went off in her head. An evil smile carved her features as she snuck out of the compartment without another word.

It took her a minute to assemble the tools she would need to make her plan a complete success. Being most resourceful she had to improvise but it would work.

Nel walked a tea trolley down the corridor. The porcelain teacups and pot clinked as she advances. She discretely peered inside the windows of the several compartments looking for that shiny white head savoring the beginning of her petty vengeance.

It was then that she spotted him. He sat on a compartment with two hulking gorillas like looking boys who were laughing at something he said. A scowling girl with shoulder length black hair sat across from him. Nel walked inside unannounced without knocking and stuck in the trolley car. She had tried her best to set up the elaborate display of lemon biscuits she had gotten for her lunch as well as the simple tea party.

It seemed convincing enough.

"Lovely day, ain't it? Lads and lady," she addressed in the most cordial tone she could muster her dark eyes zeroing in on the blonde boy. The edge of his lips curved up in a vile smirk.

"This is the girl I was telling you all about," he said bitterly. "A mudblood orphan," he spat in a tone that seemed to suggest great disgust at her lesser status. There it was. That filthy word again. "And now it seems like she's the help!"

The girl before him laughed obnoxiously loud, the other two boys simply sniggered at his comment.

Alright, you lot of pricks. Nel was even more certain now that she had to do this. They were all officially going on her shit list. She would greatly enjoy what she was about to do.

"Haven't you ever heard of the student service club?" She arched an eyebrow and spoke in the most convincing matter of fact tone she could manage. "If you volunteer you get extra points. We run the Hospitality Trolley. It always passes by right as the train leaves. Everybodyknows that."

"Like house points?" The girl asked sounding terribly confused.

Nel had no idea what house points were. She meant like bonus points to a grade point average, but this could work. "Something like that," she shrugged casually and began pouring the tea into five of the teacups on the trolley.

"That's ridiculous," The blonde scoffed suspiciously. "We haven't even been assigned out houses."

"They count towards it. It's magic," she reasoned in a most convincing argument. "Cheers," She said lifting up the teacup and brining to her lips. Hesitantly at first, they followed suit each grabbing one of the lemon biscuits on the table.

"This tea is cold," The black-haired girl looked at the tea cup she was holding with degust. The water was tinted a yellowish shade of green.

"That's because its Norwegian tea," Nel lied through her teeth sounding as snobbish as possible. She couldn't even point out where Norway was in a map, but as long as she sounded convincing enough that would do the trick.

It was then that the four brought the teacups to their lips. "Why does it taste funny?" The round-faced boy asked grimacing at the taste of the cold tea.

"This is the most god-awful tea I've ever had!" The blonde said with his nose scrunched up in great disgust.  

"It takes a while for your pallet to accustom to it. It's a very sophisticated taste," she tried her best not to laugh as she attempted to sound as snobbish as some of the people in cooking shows did.

"Disgusting. You said this was Norwegian?" The girl gagged sticking out her tongue.

She couldn't help it. A squeak escaped Nel's lips. She laughed a little. "You'd say it tastes kind of swampy right?" She said holding on to her tea cup yet not drinking it.

It was then that the four other students realized. They went mute for a second and a loud croak shattered the silence in the compartment. Their wide eyes all zoomed into the porcelain tea pot. Whatever was inside croaked once again before leaping out of the pot escaping. The blonde dropped the teacup making it shatter on the floor. He gagged reaching for his throat dramatically acting as if he'd been poisoned. The girl that was sitting across from him did the same and instead sprayed out a fountain of toad tea which wet the blonde boy in front of her. She looked horrified, turning a bright shade of scarlet. The other boys looked nauseous as if they were going to be sick.

Nel lost her cool bursting out in a loud laugh before running out of the room. She wasn't going to stick and find out just what they had planned for her. Her feet loudly stomped down the corridor as she successfully evaded capture. Thankfully the service cart being inside of the compartment slowed them down in their chase.

She ran inside of a compartment and pressed up against the blind spot next to the door's window heaving, her heart racing from the excitement of the chase. Turning to face the people in the compartment she noticed Harry and that red-headed boy they had met earlier. What was his name again, Ron?

"Oh, there you are Harry," she said in a casual airy tone.

She could hear the footsteps of those other kids stomping down the hallway as they looked for her.

"What did you do?" Harry asked with a shocked expression.

It was then that the compartment door slid open. Nel pressed so hard against the wall behind her she could've morphed into it. The girl that had been in the compartment with them stuck her head in and asked if they had seen the culprit. Both Ron and Harry's eyes glued themselves to the culprit who was holding a finger to her lips pleading for both of them to be silent.

The girl left fuming. Laughing loudly Nel plopped down on a seat next to Harry.

"What did you do?" He repeated.

"Somebody pissed me off. So, I went out of my way to make their day," she laughed evilly. "Who?" Asked Ron curious.

"Dunno," Nel shrugged without mind. It was then that she stretched out her hand across the compartment to Ron. "Nel Saintday," she smiled brightly. "Pleasure."

Ron's rat squeaked. The children looked down to see a fat, gray rat which was sitting on Ron's lap. "Mind Scabbers, he doesn't do anything and is practically useless. Percy got an owl from my dad for being made a prefect, but they couldn't aff - I mean, I got Scabbers instead." Ron's ears went pink in embarrassment.

Harry shrugged. "The Dursleys never gave me a proper present either." Harry smiled. "Same," Nel said sincerely. "Best gift I ever got was an ash tray, and I don't even smoke," she snorted jokingly making both Harry and Ron laugh.

Ron smiled feeling better already.

Moments later a woman complaining someone had stolen one of the trolleys from the front walked in making the girl turn red as she attempted to stiffen her laughter. The woman brought in a trolley filled with a lot full of candy which made the mouth of the children water. Suddenly the girl was regretting giving her lemon biscuits to those toad tea pricks. Ron and Nel would've never said it but both looked at the candy with longing. To their surprise Harry bought the whole thing.

Nel ate so much candy and without shame she felt like she had grown a second stomach. Ron was the same. Even Ron's rat seemed to eat. "He'd have died, and you wouldn't know the difference," Ron said looking at his rat with disgust. "I tried to turn him yellow yesterday to make him more interesting, but it didn't work. Look..." He drew out a battered wand, the unicorn hair poking out of one end. "Anyway-" It was then that the compartment opened. Nel flinched getting ready to bounce behind the wall when she assumed it was one of those boys, she had made to drink the toad tea. It was instead the girl with frizzy curly hair from her compartment. She stepped in. "Ah, there you are Elowen. We were wondering where you went off to," she paused for a moment. "Has anyone seen a toad?" she didn't ask. She demanded to know. "A boy Neville's lost his."

Nel smirked and sniggered slightly. Both Ron and Harry looked at her perplexed before shaking their heads.

Ron continued to practice his spell at a poor attempt to make his wand turn Scabbers yellow which was a major fail. "Are you sure that's a real spell?" She said in a know-it-all tone. "Well, it's not very good, is it? I've tried a few simple spells just for practice and it's all worked for me. Nobody in my family's magic at all, it was ever such a surprise when I got my letter, but I was ever so pleased, of course, I mean, it's the very best school of witchcraft there is, I've heard. I've learned all our course books by heart, of course, I just hope it will be enough - I'm Hermione Granger, by the way, who are you?" She spoke so fast that it made Nel's head spin. "Ron Weasley," Ron mumbled.

"Harry Potter." Her eyes widened with interest at Harry's name. For a moment Nel forgot that Harry Potter was a celebrity in the Wizarding World. Hermione rambled about Harry's accomplishments and bragged about all the books she had read. "Do you know what house you'll be in? I've been asking around, and I hope I'm in Gryffindor, it sounds by far the best; I hear Dumbledore himself was in it, but I suppose Ravenclaw wouldn't be too bad... Anyway, I better go and look for Neville's toad. You three had better change, you know, I expect we'll be there soon. Your trunk is still in our compartment Elowen."

With that she left. "Whatever house I'm in, I hope she's not in it," Ron said irritably. He tossed his wand aside annoyed that his spell failed. "Fred and George gave it to me; should have known it was a dud."

"What house are your brothers in?" Harry asked curiously.

"Gryffindor, Mom and Dad were in it, too. I don't know what they'll say if I'm not. I don't suppose Ravenclaw would be too bad but imagine if they put me in Slytherin." He wrinkled his nose.  

"That's the house Vol-, I mean, You-Know-Who was in?" Harry asked.

"Yeah," said Ron. He flopped back into his seat. "What's wrong with Slytherin?" Nel asked. Not mentioning that she had met the head of said house the day before.  

"There hasn't' been a single wizard that's gone to Slytherin that isn't a complete git!" Ron said bitterly. It sounded almost personal to him. "Hagrid said they have a reputation, that they've all 'gone bad.'" Harry explained.

Nel gave her house sorting some thought. She wasn't a bad person. She shrugged a little, whatever house she was in it for sure would not be that one. She felt she was too good for it.

Moments later the door opens again. By this point Nel had lowered her guard and had forgotten all about the frog tea she had made those kids drink.

It wasn't the sweets lady or the Granger girl this time. It was that blonde boy she had met at the bookstore. The two boys that resembled his own personal bodyguards standing closely behind. One of them cracking his knuckles ready to pummel her.

Uh-Oh.

"You," He growled out dangerously glaring at the girl.

He was about to say something horrible to her when he noticed the scarred boy that was sitting next to her.

"So, it's true. They're saying all down the train that Harry Potter is in this compartment. So, it's true? It's you, then?"

Harry starred at the three boys at the entrance. The boy flickered his hand at the boys behind him and absently introduced them. "This is Crabbe and Goyle. And I'm Malfoy. Draco Malfoy."

Ah, so that was his name. Ron gave a slight cough, not quite disguising his snicker. Malfoy stared down his nose at him.

"Think my name's funny, do you? No need to ask who you are. My father told me all the Weasleys have red hair, freckles, and more children than they can afford." He looked at Harry. "You'll soon find out that some families are better than others. You don't want to go making friends with the wrong sort." He looked at Ron and Nel with disgust. "I can help you there." Ron looked down in embarrassment. Nel leaned back on her seat with an irritated look on her face as she glared at Malfoy crossing her arms over her chest. "I think I can tell the wrong sort for myself, thanks," Harry said cooly making the girl sitting next to him smirk in approval of his response. "Oooh," she laughed at the comment.

"Think that's funny?" He glowered at the girl his ears turning pink from the embarrassment. "I'd be careful if I were you," he warned Harry slowly. "Unless you're a bit politer, you'll go the same way as your parents. They didn't know what was good for them either. You hang around riffraff like the Weasleys, Hagrid and this one here long enough, it'll rub off on you."

Ron and Harry leapt to their feet ready to fight.

"Say that again!" Ron demanded, going as red as his hair. "Oh, are you going to fight us now?" Malfoy sneered.

"If you don't get out now," Harry said boldly.

"Hardly seems fair," Nel stood up with a cocky smirk standing between the two parties. "Three against three? Do you not know how to count?" Malfoy sneered.

She could've sworn she saw one of the boys behind her raise his fingers and begin counting.

"Yeah," She huffed. "But they have me."

One thing Malfoy had underestimated was that you should never cross someone from the streets. Specially if they have nothing to lose. In that moment Nel felt she could've belonged with Nico Shafer's gang of troublemakers. Scrunching her face, she stepped forward and shoved Malfoy as hard as he could making him topple backwards between his friends who also stumbled back barely catching him before falling on his bum. The three staggering out of the compartment.

"Stay away and keep your gorillas away from me Malfoy! Unless you want to find something uglier than a toad next time, you're enjoying a cup of tea!"

He looked aghast at the fact that somebody had actually dared to lay a hand on him. "My father will be hearing about this!" He exclaimed. She rolled her eyes at him. His threat going in through one ear and exiting through the other. With that she slammed the door on their faces and turned around triumphantly.

"You better watch your back Saintday!" Draco leaned in and hissed at her through the window. In response Nel smiled smugly and lowered the blind so she didn't have to look at his pointy face. She heard them retreat with frustrated footsteps.

Harry and Ron starred at her with their eyes wide, mouths ajar in awe. "Some people just can't handle the tea," she smirked.

"Wait- that's who pissed you off?" Harry asked.

"What did you do to him?" Ron asked with his eyes wide.

"You know how that boy’s toad is missing?" She smiled wickedly before telling the boys of the success of her vile prank.

Ron was laughing so hard he was holding onto his stomach. It almost looked like he was about to cry. "That's bloody brilliant!" Ron exclaimed falling back on his seat with a broad grin on his face. It was almost as good as the type of prank his twin brothers would've pulled maybe even better. "Should've seen the look on his face. He could've just died! It was toad-atally awesome," she laughed obnoxiously.

That same night. The students arrived to Hogwarts for the first time. Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Neville Longbottom and one of the twins that was in the compartment where Nel had left her trunk were all sorted into Gryffindor. The other twin went to Ravenclaw.

Nel was one of the last ones to be sorted.

The hat didn't even give her a second to participate in the decision-making process. Quickly defining the next seven years and probably the rest of her life.

xxxxx

STARRING THE ORIGINAL CAST OF THE HARRY POTTER SERIES with ELLE FANNING as DAPHNE GREENGRASS HARRY STYLES as THEODORE NOTT and AMANDLA STENBERG as TRACEY DAVIS

Xxxxx

AN: What House do you think Nel will be sorted into?

[sweetcatmintea]

Ms Myrtle’s Garden

Hello hello! I’m back after a million years ^u^ It’s @flashfictionfridayofficial‘s 50th promptiversary today so I really wanted to try and participate. Writing has been less than stella lately but I finally had an opportunity to explore an idea I’ve had for a while. It’s more of an atmospheric piece than an actual story but I hope you enjoy nonetheless! Feedback is always appreciated 💜💜

Prompts: Smoke and Mirrors | Unusual Concoction | Shattered Sunshine Words: 1140

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Dearest Olivia,

Though the distance between us is great, the moments between my thoughts of you dwindle by the day.

How was that, pretty Pride and the Prejudice right? I’m only messing with you Ollie. Theatrics aside, I miss you so much! I can’t wait until we see each other again. If nothing else, at least this “studying abroad” thing has allowed us to realise our lifelong dreams of writing long winded letters with homoromantic subtext and sending them across the ocean to an eagerly awaiting recipient. (Yes, I know all of the good opportunities the pamphlet listed; I’m being dramatic!) Just kidding about the subtext though. (Or am I ou<~*)

I’m still reeling from your last letter! There’s no way you really bunked with a ghost! That’s terrifying. You may laugh and play it off as nothing, but I would have jumped ship and swam home if that was me. Though, you always have been the braver of us so I’m sure you’ll indulge me and forgive my reaction. Just say the word and I’ll jump on the first plane and come rescue you! A la a redeemed antagonist proving their worth.

Honestly, it hasn’t been too exciting over here in my little corner of the world. I paid Ms Myrtle a visit yesterday, so I’ll tell you about that. (Ms Myrtle says hi!) I’ve been working on restocking new blends for the store and figured it would be nice to take some over for Ms Myrtle to sample. I feel kind of bad for her, y’know? She doesn’t get many visitors these days. I think the children are all too scared of her.

It was cold, oddly so for this time of year, when I arrived. Her front yard is as immaculate as ever, though I’m not sure I’ve ever actually seen anyone tend to it. Maybe it’s just the perfect level of overgrown that everything looks nice simply because the plants are healthy? I don’t know, I digress. It took a few minutes of shivering and waiting for her to answer once I’d knocked on the door, but soon enough, she greeted me with a warm smile and welcomed me in.

“Oh, hello dearie! It’s so lovely to see you again.” The way she talks is so cute.

Camembert, like the stinky cheese he is, took one disinterested look at me and trotted off on whatever cat business he had planned. Probably off to eat someone’s beloved pet. I’m not sure there’s a single person in the block who doesn’t have a personal vendetta against him. It’s practically a childhood right of passage. I know your dad still hasn’t forgiven him for Captain Bubbles’ murder. Still, we could be friends if he’d just let me love him.

Right, staying on topic.

The incense hit me as soon as I passed the threshold, thin plumes of smoke wrapping themselves through the air of the living room, following as we passed through to the kitchen. It wasn’t unpleasant. It never is. But it certainly gives her home a particular presence. A nostalgia rattle. She still keeps the house dim, like even the lamps know they are in an old person’s home and want to be as stereotypical as possible. She led me into the kitchen, flicking on the kettle with shaky carefulness.

“What wonderful concoction have you brought me today, sweetheart?”

I laughed, awkwardly playing off the compliment like it doesn’t absolutely make me blush every time. Because it doesn’t. Don’t smirk, I can feel it from here.

“Nothing too unusual today, Ms Myrtle,” I said, passing her the box, “It’s a rose-almond blend. Black tea base so it should be pretty forgiving for beginners. I was wondering what you thought of the flavour? I think something’s missing but can’t place it. Although, any excuse to visit you is always a good one.”

“Oh ho ho, you flatterer.” She set the mix to brew, smiling airily all the while. “Everything you do is so clever! I’m sure the tea is just wonderful.” Beckoning me to follow, she ambled to the back door. “It’s rather nippy in here, let’s enjoy this outside. Maybe we will be lucky enough to catch the afternoon sun.”

If the front yard is homey and inviting, the back garden is whimsically sweet to the point of toothache. Thick, lush foliage, a thousand flowers blooming no matter the season, windchimes that were little more than mirrored shards hanging from the trees and shattering sunshine across the grass in every colour imaginable. Her garden is so wonderful, I really wish I could enjoy it more. I never could get past the little bells though. There has to be hundreds of them by now. I don’t know, something about seeing all of those little strings poking out of the ground… You know what I mean.

We spent the afternoon sitting together, sipping tea, and chatting about this and that. I talked about the store and my ideas for future mixes. Ms Myrtle suggested adding vanilla to the rose blend. I think I’ll try that. She talked about how proud she was of me (and you) for growing into ‘such fine young ladies’, and that she’s been rather into baking lately and would be so happy if I’d take some rosemary bread home with me. I accepted of course. We spoke about her partner and the war they were in. More the dancing whenever they came home side of it than the fighting side. I still don’t know which war they served, but I don’t think anyone really does so what else is new.

The windchimes quietly sang the entire time. Despite the vitality of the garden, there’s still this all-encompassing stillness about it. No bugs sitting on the rim of our teacups, no lizards basking, no rustling in the bushes. I can’t help but wonder, are the chimes a cover? Did Ms Myrtle notice? Does it distract her from the absence of birds?

Despite the twinkling and the dancing rainbows refracting around us, a muffling shadow crawled over us, a stiff breeze running shivers up my spine and agitating the chimes. Our visit was cut short by the ring of Camembert’s bell. In her polite and dottering way, Ms Myrtle ushered me out the door, depositing a loaf of bread into my arms and requesting I visit again soon. I can only imagine her cat caught another unfortunate creature. I watched as Ms Myrtle sighed, took up as trowel, and disappeared back towards the garden, smiling all the while. I left as Camembert’s bell was joined by those of the safety coffins.

That was that. Nothing too out of the ordinary. It may have only been yesterday but I demolished that bread. You’re really missing out haha! Anyway, write again soon!

Miss you, love ya,

Your bestie,

Wren.  

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Tag list

@snobbysnekboi, @inkovert, @kainablue, @i-rove-rock-n-roll , and @goblin-writer

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This is supposed to have an unsettling atmosphere. I’m not sure if it comes through or not. I’d love to know what you think!